UGC approves Tk 12,300cr for public universities
The country’s public higher education sector is set to receive a significant funding boost in the 2026-27 fiscal year, as the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved a budget of BDT 12,300 crore and 4 lakh for 58 public universities and the commission itself.
Of the total allocation, BDT 12,001 crore and 82 lakh has been earmarked for the country’s 58 public universities, while BDT 298 crore and 58 lakh has been set aside for the UGC’s own operations.
The budget received formal approval on Thursday at the 178th Full Commission meeting of the UGC, chaired by Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed.
According to the approved financial plan, BDT 7,428 crore and 43 lakh of the university allocation will be spent on operational activities, while BDT 4,573 crore and 39 lakh has been designated for development expenditure under 43 separate projects.
During the meeting, UGC Secretary Dr. Fakhrul Islam presented the official working papers. Professor Dr. Mohammad Aiyub Islam, the commission member responsible for the Finance and Accounts Division, outlined the revised budget for FY 2025-26 and the proposed budget framework for FY 2026-27.
The latest allocation represents a substantial increase in funding for public universities. In the revised budget for FY 2025-26, 57 public universities received BDT 10,802 crore and 21 lakh. Compared with that figure, the allocation for FY 2026-27 has risen by BDT 1,497 crore and 83 lakh.
Among the institutions, Dhaka University secured the highest revenue budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year, receiving BDT 949 crore and 36 lakh.
The increased allocation is expected to support the operational needs of public universities and accelerate implementation of ongoing development projects across the higher education sector.
