It is encouraging to see that the government has increased the allocated amount for the education sector in the national budget this year by almost Tk10,000 crore from the previous fiscal year, with the total amount proposed standing at Tk 81,449cr.
There is at this point little doubt that out of all the sectors that have suffered as a result of the two years of Covid-19, education has taken arguably the greatest hit. The learning loss suffered by our students will be extremely difficult to overcome, but with the Covid-19 pandemic appearing to be at the end, it is time to keep the promises of building back better, and the education sector requires the most help in this regard.
While we are pleased to see the increase in allocation for education, as outlined in a previous editorial, allocated amounts mean very little if these funds are not used efficiently, bringing about actual change and transformation.
While it remains a shame that we continue to lack any universities in the global top 500, this is hardly a surprise to anyone at this point. Our institutions have historically lacked both the academic rigour and the facilities and infrastructure for research required to be selected into this elite group.
With the new budget, while every level of education, from primary to tertiary, has seen an increase in total funds, the onus is now on the relevant authorities and stakeholders at every level to not only improve our education, but to be able to do so in a concerted, cohesive manner which not only results in a more learned and educated student body, but also stronger educational institutions and eventually, a more skilled workforce that is ready to propel Bangladesh to the heights it aspires to reach.
