The Dhaka University authorities on Wednesday announced the annual budget proposal of Tk945.15 crore for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, keeping Tk20 crore, or 2.15%, for research.

Last year, the allocation for research was Tk15.5 crore, which was 1.64% of the total budget. In addition, Tk5 lakh is also allocated for innovation.

DU Treasurer Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed presented the proposed budget at the annual senate session of the university at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, with Vice Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal in the chair.

In the session, a revised budget of Tk973.6 crore for FY24 was also announced, which was Tk913.9 crore in the main budget.

Prof Mamtaz Uddin said, “To survive in the current era, continuous innovation is necessary. Achieving success in this regard without spending a significant amount of money is merely a daydream.”

He said, “The allocation of Tk20 crore for research is not sufficient. More than 2,000 teachers are working at the university. On average, the allocation for research per teacher is Tk1,00,000. Is it really possible to conduct substantial fundamental research with this amount?”

“We often hear discussions about the university’s ranking. To improve this position, it is essential to increase various facilities for research and innovation. I believe that if the budget allocation in this sector is significantly increased, we will be able to achieve the desired results,” Prof Mamtaz added.

However, in the budget for the new fiscal year, the allocation for salaries, allowances and pensions of teachers, officers, and employees has increased.

The allocation for salaries is shown as Tk299.2 crore, which is 31.65% of the total budget. Various allowances account for Tk218.43 crore, and the allocation for goods and services is shown as Tk220.55 crore, which are 23.12% and 23.33% of the budget, respectively. According to the proposed budget, Tk804.41 crore will be sourced from the University Grants Commission’s grant, which is 85.11% of the total revenue. Additionally, the university’s internal revenue is shown as Tk90 crore, which was Tk85 crore last year. As a result, the budget deficit has slightly decreased.