Research on the Liberation War and the July uprising will be eligible for grants of up to Tk 25 lakh

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has introduced a new guideline to provide financial support for research on the Liberation War and the July uprising, with the aim of ensuring more institutional, transparent, and accountable research practices.

Titled Research (Administration, Financing and Management) Guideline 2026, the policy has been issued to promote high-quality research in these historically significant and nationally important areas.

Under the guideline, grants ranging from Tk5 lakh to Tk25 lakh will be awarded based on the nature and scope of the research.

Projects have been categorized into three groups. Category A, which includes institutional or team-based research, will receive between Tk10 lakh and Tk25 lakh. Category B covers individual research projects, with funding between Tk5 lakh and Tk10 lakh. Category C, also for individual researchers, will be eligible for grants of up to Tk5 lakh. The funding limits may be adjusted depending on the significance and scale of the research.

The guideline also sets specific timelines: Category A projects must be completed within 12 months, Category B within nine months, and Category C within six months.

Funds will be released in three phases—40% after approval of the inception report, another 40% upon submission of a mid-term report when at least half the work is completed, and the remaining 20% after the final report is submitted and approved.

It also stipulates that no further installments will be disbursed unless the previous funds have been properly accounted for.

Regarding financial allocation, up to 50% of the total budget may be used as honorarium for the research team. The research director may receive up to 25%, co-researchers up to 15%, and research associates or assistants up to 10%. The rest of the funds must be spent on research-related activities such as data collection, analysis, report writing, and publication.

The guideline outlines a broad range of research areas, including the background, history, impact, and outcomes of the 1971 Liberation War; public participation; verification of lists of freedom fighters and martyrs; and documentation of genocide, war crimes, human rights violations, and refugee issues. It also encourages research on martyred intellectuals and mass killing sites.

Additional areas include education and curriculum development related to the Liberation War, public awareness initiatives, and the experiences of women, children, and ethnic minorities.

Research on the July uprising will cover its background, causes, expectations, achievements, and challenges, along with rehabilitation of the injured and families of martyrs, preservation of memories, and the incorporation of its spirit into state reforms.

The development of digital archives, GIS mapping, and the preservation of historical documents have also been identified as priority areas.

To ensure accountability, the guideline states that grants must be returned if projects are not completed within the specified timeframe or if the final report is rejected. Any unspent funds must also be refunded to the ministry. Researchers will be required to submit vouchers, receipts, and detailed expenditure statements, with all financial activities subject to government rules and audits.

The guideline further specifies that research may be conducted in both Bangla and English, and that maintaining quality, neutrality, and ethical standards is mandatory. Any proven case of plagiarism will lead to cancellation of the project and legal action.

The ministry added that the findings from these research initiatives may contribute to policymaking, legal reforms, curriculum development, and discussions in international forums.