DU research budget sees increase

The University Grants Commission approved a budget of Tk 11690 crore for 55 public universities for FY2024–25.

An allocation of Tk 188.65 crore was also approved for research support in FY2024–25, a slight increase from the previous FY2023–24 allocation of Tk 174 crore.

Dhaka University received the highest revenue budget of Tk 804.41 crore for FY2024–25, along with the highest research budget of Tk 20 crore.

According to Dhaka University, the total budget for FY2024–25 is Tk 900 crore. Compared to last year, it is 13 crore less than last year, but the allocation for research sector has increased by about 4.5 crore. 

Last year, the allocation for research was Tk 15.5 crore, which is 1.64 per cent of the total budget at that time, but this upcoming fiscal year the allocation for research is Tk 20 crore, which is 2.2 per cent of the total budget.

The Financial Express analysed Dhaka University’s budget over the last decade. During this period, Dhaka University’s budget has more than doubled, and the research  budget has increased almost four and a half times. In FY 2015-16, the total budget was Tk 425.50 crore, with 4.5 crore allocated for research (1.5 per cent of the total budget). In FY2023–24, the total budget was 913.89 crore, with 15.5 crore for research (1.64 per cent of the total budget).

On the other hand, Dhaka University ranked 554 in the latest QS World University Rankings. This is the first time Dhaka University has been listed among the world's best 600 universities. Teachers and students hope that with a fair distribution and utilisation of the budget and research funds, this progress can be maintained.

Despite having the highest research budget among public universities in Bangladesh, many teachers and researchers believe it is still insufficient. They argue that increased funding is essential to improve Dhaka University's international ranking.

Dhaka University Professor Dr. Ishtiaque M. Syed and also Director of Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS) mentioned that top-ranked universities like MIT, Harvard, Oxford allocate singinificantly more for research and that their research  equipment are also highly modern and advanced.

"Dhaka University ranked 554th this year, but universities around or below this ranking have much higher research allocation than ours," he added.

He advised that not only should the allocation be increased, but proper management of the entire process, encouragement and respect for researchers, as well as overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, are very important for advancing Dhaka University’s position in the international rankings.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor A S M Maksud Kamal emphasized the need for increased allocation for research for improvement of meritocracy.

"This year's budget allocated Dhaka University about Tk 9.00 billion, mostly for infrastructure. The university received Tk 200 million for research, just 2.2 per cent of the total budget."