The Department of Business Administration at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) organised a panel discussion titled “Bangladesh Health Budget Dialogue: Priorities, Gaps and Way Forward” at the university’s BOT conference room on Thursday.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, healthcare experts, development professionals, and students to exchange views on the current state of the national health budget. The session aimed to explore practical pathways for strengthening the country’s healthcare system through improved financing, governance, and multi-sectoral collaboration, according to a press release.
Economic advisor to the prime minister, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, attended as the chief guest. He emphasised the necessity of evidence-based policymaking, the efficient use of public resources, and increased investment in the health sector to ensure quality healthcare for all citizens.
He also highlighted the need for a more equitable and holistic healthcare system supported by improved services and infrastructure.
KM Mozibul Hoque, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at UAP and guest of honour, stressed that the health sector must be given higher priority in national development. He underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, government, industry, and development partners to achieve sustainable and inclusive healthcare financing.
Professor Dr Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAP and special guest, called for adequate funding for the sector and improved coordination among healthcare providers. He also urged the strengthening of continuous policy dialogue to enhance the overall system.
In her keynote presentation, Dr Rumana Huque, Professor at the University of Dhaka, outlined the primary challenges in Bangladesh’s health financing, specifically noting resource constraints and service delivery gaps. She offered evidence-based recommendations to improve efficiency, equity, and accessibility within the system.
The panel discussion featured several distinguished experts, including, Acting Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka Prof Dr Md Selim Reza, Honorary Chief Scientist & Advisor of Pothikrit Institute of Health Studies and Member of the Healthcare Reform Commission Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Chairman of Health and Hope Hospital Dr MH Choudhury Lelin, Professor at the Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka Dr Syed Abdul Hamid; Dean, School of Pharmacy, UAP Prof Dr Mohammad Shahriar, Department of Business Administration, UAP Professor Dr Shamsad Ahmed, Additional Commissioner of Taxes, NBR Dr Nurul Amin Nahid.
The session was chaired by Dean of the School of Business at UAP Professor Dr MA Baqui Khalily and moderated by Professor at the Department of Business Administration Dr Nazma Begum.
Head of the Department of Business Administration Sarwar R Chowdhury was also in attendance along with other faculty members and students.
Speakers and participants collectively emphasised that research-driven policymaking and stronger partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare practitioners are vital. They noted that such collaborations are essential to generating the evidence needed to support policy reforms and build a more resilient healthcare system.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to advancing research initiatives and fostering academia–industry–government collaboration to develop a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system for Bangladesh.
