Today, UGC calls for making budgetary allocation in higher education to 4%. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 19, 2025 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission (UGC) of
Bangladesh has demanded for making the allocation in higher education to at
least 4 percent of the national budget in the next fiscal year (FY26).

UGC member Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan said this at a workshop on
evaluating research project proposals under social sciences sub-section for
the last fiscal year (FY24).

Prof Tanzimuddin said that the government needs to put highest priority on
education, agriculture and the health sectors for ensuring safety and
security of common people, said a press release.

"It's necessary to ensure 4 percent allocation of the national budget to
higher education. If it is possible, then expected budget in research sector
can be enhanced," he added.

Stressing on ensuring qualitative standard of education, the UGC member said
that the Commission should have to evaluate the real researchers.

Besides, he also underscored the need for selecting those research projects
which would be beneficial for the society.

Speaking at the workshop, another UGC member professor Dr Masuma Habib hoped
that the current interim government would be kind enough to enhance budgetary
allocation in the education and research sectors and thus fulfill the
expectations of the nation.

National University VC Prof Dr ASM Amanullah, Pro VC Prof Dr Muhammad Nurul
Islam, Dhaka University Prof Dr Gitiara Nasreen, Prof Dr Nasrin Sultana, Prof
Dr Md Abdus Salam, Prof Dr Md Sirajul Islam, Prof Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed
Chowdhury, Prof Dr Samina Lutfa and University of Chittagong Prof Muhammad
Faridul Alam spoke as experts at the workshop.

A total of 17 research project proposals were evaluated at the event.