DHAKA, June 29 (V7N) – The National University (NU) of Bangladesh has approved an annual budget of Taka 690 crore 17 lakh and 47 thousand (approximately $58.66 million USD) for the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This budget, along with the revised budget for FY25, was sanctioned during the 27th Senate session held at the NU's main campus.

University Treasurer Professor Dr. ATM Zafrul Azam presented the budget proposal for FY26. The projected revenue income for FY26 is Taka 565 crore 34 lakh and 18 thousand, resulting in a deficit of Taka 124 crore 83 lakh and 29 thousand. The NU anticipates receiving a grant from the government, channeled through the University Grants Commission, to cover this deficit.

Examination Management: The largest share, Taka 289.03 crore, reflecting the university's primary role in conducting examinations for its vast network of affiliated colleges.

Salary, Allowances, and Benefits: The second-highest allocation, Taka 188 crore 23 lakh 19 thousand. This sector saw a significant increase of Taka 78 crore 90 lakh 33 thousand due to the reinstatement of 988 dismissed officials and employees of the university.

General Necessity: Taka 60 crore 73 lakh 60 thousand.

Pension and Retirement Benefits: Taka 51 crore 28 lakh 18 thousand, which increased by Taka 28 crore 82 lakh 87 thousand due to the retirement of teachers and officials who have completed 25 years of service.

Education Ancillary: Taka 50 crore 90 lakh.

The revised budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, approved before this year's budget, stood at Taka 417 crore 3 lakh 19 thousand. This indicates a substantial increase in the budget for FY26 compared to the revised figures of the previous year.

The 27th Senate session was chaired by NU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah. Distinguished attendees included Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Siddique Zobair, NU Pro Vice-Chancellors Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Divisional Commissioners, Chairmen of various Education Boards, Principals and Academicians of various colleges, 77 Senate members, invited Syndicate members (as guests), and Senate Secretary and University Registrar Molla Mahfuz Al-Hossain.

The increased expenditure on salaries and allowances is directly linked to a recent Supreme Court order (May 27, 2025) for the reinstatement of 988 National University employees who were dismissed. These employees were originally appointed between 2003 and 2004, but their appointments were challenged in court and they were dismissed in 2011 and 2012. Following the change in government in August 2024, the university authorities decided to file a review petition, leading to the Supreme Court's order for their reinstatement. The court ruled that the period between dismissal and reinstatement would be treated as "extraordinary leave," ensuring their seniority remains unaffected.

The National University plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's higher education landscape, overseeing approximately 2,500 educational institutions across the country and providing higher education to around 4 million students. It is one of the largest universities in the world by enrollment, responsible for about 70% of higher education in Bangladesh, particularly for students from rural and semi-rural backgrounds. It offers graduate and post-graduate level education through its affiliated colleges, schools, and institutes.

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