The Department of Business Administration, University of Asia Pacific (UAP), organized a panel discussion titled “Bangladesh Health Budget Dialogue: Priorities, Gaps and Way Forward” at the BOT Conference Room of the university on Thursday, 04 June 2026.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, healthcare experts, development professionals, and students to exchange views on the current state of Bangladesh’s health budget and to explore practical pathways for strengthening the country’s healthcare system through improved financing, governance, and collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, as Chief Guest, emphasized evidence-based policymaking, efficient use of public resources, and increased investment in the health sector to ensure quality healthcare for all. He also highlighted the need for a more equitable and holistic healthcare system with improved services and infrastructure.
Mr. K. M. Mozibul Hoque, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, UAP, as Guest of Honour, stressed giving higher priority to the health sector in national development and underscored the importance of collaboration among academia, government, industry, and development partners to ensure sustainable and inclusive healthcare financing.
Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Acting Vice Chancellor, UAP, as Special Guest, emphasized adequate funding for the health sector, improved coordination among healthcare providers, and efficient utilization of allocated resources. He also called for strengthening evidence-based policymaking and continuous policy dialogue to enhance the overall healthcare system.
Dr. Rumana Huque, Professor, University of Dhaka, in her keynote presentation, outlined the key challenges in Bangladesh’s health financing system, including resource constraints and service delivery gaps. She offered evidence-based recommendations to improve efficiency, equity, accessibility, and the overall quality of healthcare services in the country.
The panel discussion was enriched by the presence of distinguished panelists: Prof. Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dean (Acting), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka; Prof. Dr. Liaquat Ali, Honorary Chief Scientist & Advisor, Pothikrit Institute of Health Studies, Member of the Healthcare Reform Commission; Dr. M. H. Choudhury Lelin, Chairman, Health and Hope Hospital; Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Professor, Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahriar, Dean, School of Pharmacy, UAP; Dr. Shamsad Ahmed, Professor, Department of Business Administration, UAP; and Dr. Nurul Amin Nahid, Additional Commissioner of Taxes, NBR.
The session was chaired by Professor Dr. M. A. Baqui Khalily, Dean, School of Business, University of Asia Pacific, and moderated by Dr. Nazma Begum, Professor, Department of Business Administration, UAP.
Mr. Sarwar R. Chowdhury, Head, Department of Business Administration, UAP, along with faculty members and students, were also present at the program.
Speakers and participants collectively emphasized the importance of research-driven policymaking and stronger partnerships between academic institutions, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and development organizations. They underlined that effective collaboration can generate relevant evidence, support policy reforms, and contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system in Bangladesh.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening policy dialogue, advancing research initiatives, and fostering academia–industry–government collaboration for the development of a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system in the country.