Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed an allocation of Tk95,644 crore for the education sector in the national budget of Bangladesh for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
The finance adviser announced the budget allocation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, amounting to Tk7,89,999 crore, in a televised speech on Monday.
The finance adviser said this year, the government has placed special emphasis on building a science-driven, technology-based and employment-oriented education system in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, recognizing it as essential for establishing a strong economic foundation.
“Science, technology and technical education have been prioritized to create a conducive learning environment that meets the demands of a modern workforce,” he said.
Primary and mass education
Given the significance of primary and mass education, the finance adviser proposed an allocation of Tk35,403 crore for the sector in FY2025-26.
“As the foundation of a child’s cognitive development is shaped in primary education, the government has initiated a series of short, medium and long-term reforms,” he said.
These reforms are being undertaken based on recommendations from a consultation committee formed to enhance the quality of primary education and ensure a supportive learning environment.
In the current fiscal year, the government has already constructed 5,946 classrooms, 17,164 wash blocks, and installed 4,450 tubewells in primary schools across the country.
Besides, 21,278 classrooms, 18,476 wash blocks and 6,984 tubewells are currently under construction.
All primary-level students are now receiving stipends through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), ensuring transparency and timely disbursement.
Meanwhile, the “Government Primary School Feeding Program” will be expanded to 150 upazilas at a cost of Tk5,452 crore.
The initiative aims to boost student enrolment, improve nutrition, and enhance classroom attendance. An allocation of Tk2,164 crore has been proposed for the program in the next fiscal year.
Secondary and higher education
The government has proposed a total allocation of Tk47,563 crore for the development of Secondary and Higher Education.
In an effort to improve the quality of education, existing textbooks at the secondary and higher secondary levels have been revised and updated.
To align higher education with international standards, curricula at all private universities have been modernized based on the globally accepted outcome-based education (OBE) model.
Currently, 62 projects are underway under the Secondary and Higher Education Division, with an allocation of Tk1,957 crore dedicated to enhancing educational infrastructure and related initiatives.
The government has also provided stipends to 5.1 million underprivileged but meritorious students at the secondary level, 800,000 at the higher secondary level, and 165,000 at the undergraduate level during the current fiscal year.
Additionally, Tk1,626 crore has been proposed for the distribution of updated textbooks among secondary and higher secondary students.
Technical and madrasa education
Recognizing the growing importance of technical and vocational education for job creation both at home and abroad, the government has proposed Tk12,678 crore for the Technical and Madrasa Education in FY2025-26.
