The government has unveiled 13 major initiatives for the education sector in its first national budget under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aiming to transform Bangladesh’s education system through curriculum reform, technical and vocational education, digital learning, and expanded student welfare programs.
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the measures while presenting the proposed Tk938,000 crore national budget for FY2026–27 in parliament on Thursday.
The government has also proposed a record Tk122,495 crore allocation for the education sector, where Tk136,606 crore allocation, including human resource development, is up from Tk87,206 crore in FY2025–26, raising education spending almost to 2% of GDP from the previous 1.39%.
Although the proposed allocation pushes education spending closer to 2% of GDP, Bangladesh remains well below UNESCO's 4-6% benchmark and lags several regional peers.
Calling it one of the country’s largest-ever education budgets, the finance minister said the government aims to gradually increase public investment in education to 5% of GDP.
Focus on values, skills, modern learning
In his budget speech, Amir Khasru said the government is undertaking reforms to the national curriculum under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to foster moral values, social responsibility, leadership qualities and human development among students.
“We want to create an environment where students and teachers can develop their highest potential through modern education, training and opportunities,” he said.
The minister said the government plans to prioritize technical and vocational education, third-language learning, sports and culture, technology-based education, and “learning with happiness” in the national curriculum.
He said the proposed framework seeks to ensure that students can pursue careers aligned with their talent and interests—whether as skilled technicians, engineers, agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, teachers, businesspeople or athletes—with equal dignity.
Key education initiatives
Among the 13 initiatives announced in the budget are:
- Free education for girls up to the undergraduate level
- To improve female education and economic empowerment, the government has expanded free education for girls up to the undergraduate level, according to the finance minister
- Technical education from Grade 6
- As part of efforts to build a skills-based economy, technical education will be introduced gradually for all students from Grade 6.
Mandatory third language
Besides Bangla and English, students will be required to learn a third language, including options such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French or German.
The government will also provide education loans of up to Tk1 million for students proficient in these languages who seek higher education in related countries.
Technology and AI-based learning
To modernize classrooms, the government announced plans for a “One Teacher, One Tab” programme, expansion of multimedia classrooms, and free Wi-Fi facilities in educational institutions.
Mid-day meals and student welfare
The government plans to introduce and gradually expand a mid-day meal programme nationwide to meet students’ nutritional needs and ensure better health outcomes.
Poor students will receive school uniforms, shoes and school bags, while female students and teachers will receive improved sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Inclusive education for children with disabilities
The budget also prioritizes inclusive education for children with disabilities and special needs, including specialized assistive technologies and educational materials.
Stronger industry-academia linkage
The government plans to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, expand apprenticeship and internship opportunities, and support startup development to encourage entrepreneurship among students.
Educational institutions will also be encouraged to promote club-based extracurricular activities, including debate, science fairs, cultural programmes and literary practice.
Modernization of madrasa education
The finance minister said the government aims to improve science, mathematics, English and ICT education in madrasas, alongside religious studies, while introducing employment-oriented training programmes.
Allocation breakdown
Of the total proposed education budget:
- Secondary and Higher Education Division: Tk57,301 crore
- Primary and Mass Education Ministry: Tk46,737 crore
- Technical and Madrasa Education Division: Tk18,457 crore
The government says the proposed reforms are intended to align Bangladesh’s education system with the demands of a modern, skills-driven economy while expanding access and improving learning outcomes.