The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has clarified that research funding for public universities has increased by about 13 percent for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The clarification came after several media reports allegedly presented incomplete information, creating confusion among teachers, researchers, and students. According to the UGC, a total of Tk 226 crore has been allocated for research, contradicting claims that no budget was set aside for this purpose.

The UGC stated that the government has simplified and made the research funding process more transparent and researcher-friendly to avoid duplication. It emphasized that academic freedom, institutional identity, and research diversity will remain intact. On July 2, 2026, the UGC requested all public universities to submit their research plans, sub-sectoral funding needs, and budget estimates to facilitate timely fund disbursement.

Universities were instructed to prioritize greater participation of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in research, foster collaboration between senior and emerging researchers, and align research projects with national needs and government priorities.