Tk152.6m allocation for research at BIDS

The government has allocated Tk152.6 million (Tk15.26 crore) for Bangladesh Institute of Development studies (BIDS) to conduct 30 research works in the current financial year (2015-2016). This was revealed by Planning Minister and Chairman, BIDS Board of Trustees, A H M Mostafa Kamal at the 97th meeting of the Board. Kamal said that in the past, on an average Tk20 million (Tk2cr) was allocated for BIDS, every year. This year, it has been increased to Tk152.6 million. He said "The government feels that the spending on research is an investment in the future. Research topics must be consistent with the needs of the economy. Through research we must identify our strengths." As an example he said "Global trade was worth 88 trillion dollars but we know little about it. Naturally, we cannot identify our capacities, either." The minister further said "Whatever research has been done, I can certainly say that there has not been any effective research regarding tourism. BIDS should conduct its own study on it. Simultaneously, there should be studies on potential areas of government revenue." The planning minister further said "BIDS should select the topics and prepare the budget. That way, we can ensure uninterrupted research." Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr Atiur Rahman said "The effort to rejuvenate BIDS will help the nation."
Eminent economist and former governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr Farashuddin Ahmed said "Increased research allocation will bring a qualitative development to the research work being done by BIDS." Member of the Trustee Board and eminent economist Professor Rehman Sobhan described the research allocation as a positive step in the right direction and said "Through this process BIDS could emerge as a center of excellence. BIDS must take on board both local and foreign expertise, only then will it be able to provide acceleration to development." Meanwhile, BIDS will offer a one-year Masters' course on development studies and financial management from November, this year, according to a news agency.
- biplab