DU Budget 2025-26: Discussion on education, employment held
DU Correspondent
A discussion on 'Budget 2025-26: Education and Employment' was held at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on Tuesday at the initiative of the Dhaka University Center on Budget and Policy.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated the discussion. Advisor to the Ministry of Education Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar was present as the chief guest.
The event was presided over by Dhaka University Treasurer and Chairman of the Center on Budget and Policy, Prof Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr. Taiyebur Rahman and Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr. AK Enamul Haque spoke as special guests.
The keynote address was presented by Director of the Center on Budget and Policy, Professor Dr. M. Abu Yusuf. Prof Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Department of Development Studies, Dhaka University and Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development, Prof Dr. MA Razzak participated in the discussion. Chairperson of the Department of Development Studies, Dr. Naeem Sultana delivered the welcome address.
Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar said, "We have limitations in time and resources. In addition, lack of responsibility and lack of proper planning are putting us in the face of various challenges. A large part of the loans we receive from abroad are being spent on repaying previous loans. Bangladesh has been going through such a situation year after year. In such a situation, it is not possible to provide the necessary allocation to priority areas including the education sector. He further said, there is no reason to think that all the problems of the education sector will be solved by having an education commission. It is not just a matter of discussion in the reform of the education sector, but also a time-bound and effective steps need to be taken. Stressing the use of technology in education and translating books written in different languages for higher education in Bengali, he said, "We are determined to ensure quality education." He called on everyone to cooperate from their respective positions in this regard.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, "The national budget affects our lives in many ways. We have seen several good initiatives in the education sector in the national budget this year. Some changes have been made in the science and technical education and employment sectors this year. However, more importance needs to be given to these sectors. He expressed hope that this dialogue will play an effective role in formulating policies at the national level."
Treasurer Prof Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, in order to survive as a successful and sovereign state, the allocation in the national budget must be increased by giving importance to the education, research and innovation sectors.
