Dhaka University approved a budget of Tk 1,035.45 crore for the 2025–26 financial year, with only Tk 21.57 crore or 2.08 per cent of the total allocated for research.
Treasurer professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed the details at a press conference held on Tuesday at Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom in the Administration Building.
Earlier on Monday, the university’s highest policy-making body, the syndicate, approved both the proposed budget for FY 26 and a revised budget of Tk 993.93 crore for FY 25.
The budget for the FY 25 had a research allocation of Tk 20.7 crore, reflecting a slight 0.16 per cent increase this year.
Of the total budget, 28.34 per cent or Tk 293.5 crore is for salaries; 20.84 per cent or Tk 215.91 crore for allowances; 27.62 per cent or Tk 285.98 crore for goods and services; and 13.41 per cent or Tk 1,39,86,50,000 for pension payments.
The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh is expected to provide Tk 883.04 crore in funding, while Tk 90 crore is projected to come from the university’s own income, leaving a deficit of Tk 62.41 crore.
Explaining the limited allocation for research, professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, ‘Dhaka University cannot go beyond the amount provided by the University Grants Commission and we do not enjoy financial independence in framing our budget.’
Usually, after approval by the syndicate, the budget is placed before the annual senate meeting for final endorsement. This year, however, there was uncertainty over holding the senate meeting and the budget was presented directly by the treasurer at a press conference instead.
Explaining the matter, professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, ‘The terms of 25 teacher representatives in the Senate expire on June 15, while many of the 35 registered graduate representatives are collaborators with fascism.’
Analysis of the budget shows that there are no significant or noteworthy changes in the allocations this year. Compared to last year, funding for salaries, allowances, and information technology has slightly decreased this year.
Additionally, allocations for goods and transport, pension, research grants, primary health care, and equipment grants have slightly increased.
