Tk200cr proposed for blue economy and research

In the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed allocating Tk 200 crore for research activities to harness the potential of the blue economy through basic science research and marine resource extraction and its proper management.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed made the announcement during a pre-recorded budget speech aired on Monday (June 2).

“To encourage and inspire scientific research and development, special research grants amounting to Tk16.66 crore were provided to 492 projects across various universities in the current fiscal year (2024–25),” the adviser said.

He further stated, “Considering the importance of scientific research in achieving our developmental goals, I propose a Tk200 crore allocation in FY26 to support research into the blue economy—particularly in areas of basic scientific study, sustainable exploitation of marine resources, and their effective management.”