Under the Awami League’s 15-year rule, a dramatic shift in spending priorities has emerged, highlighting a stark contrast between investments in surveillance technologies and academic research. An analysis by Dr. Mustahid Husain, published in The Daily Star, reveals that while funding for spyware and surveillance tools skyrocketed, spending on research and development remained stagnant, raising concerns about the long-term implications for Bangladesh’s intellectual and innovative future.
From 2012 to 2024, the Bangladesh government’s investment in spyware surged by 733%, reaching $25 million in 2024, while research funding saw a mere 80% increase, only climbing to $90 million. Reports suggest much of the academic research funds were misallocated to construction and procurement, rather than fostering critical research in STEM and the humanities.
Meanwhile, anonymous sources have revealed that significant sums were spent on undisclosed spyware projects aimed at mass surveillance, with millions allegedly funneled into clandestine monitoring systems. This spending further raises ethical concerns, especially regarding the involvement of the controversial Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
As Bangladesh enters a new political era, the country faces pressing questions on how to dismantle the previous government’s surveillance apparatus and redirect resources toward nurturing innovation and academic progress.
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