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Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday proposed an allocation of Tk 956.44 billion for the education sector in the national budget of Bangladesh for the fiscal year 2025-2026, up from Tk 74.82 billion from the current fiscal.
Finance Adviser announced the budget allocation while unveiling the national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal years, reports UNB.
The pre-recorded budget speech was aired on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.
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, recognising it as essential for establishing a strong economic foundation.
Science, technology and technical education have been prioritised 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, Finance Adviser has proposed an allocation of Tk 354.03 billion 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.
As part of its commitment to accessible and quality education, a total of 91.95 crore textbooks have been distributed among students from pre-primary to class five in the current academic year.
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 Tk 5,452 crore. The initiative aims to boost student enrolment, improve nutrition, and enhance classroom attendance. An allocation of Tk 21.64 billion has been proposed for the program in the next fiscal year.
Secondary and Higher Education
The government has proposed a total allocation of Tk 475.63 billion for the development of Secondary and Higher Education, up from Tk 441.09 billion from the current fiscal year.
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 Tk 19.57 billion dedicated to enhancing educational infrastructure and related initiatives.
The government has also provided stipends to 51 lakh underprivileged but meritorious students at the secondary level, 8 lakh at the higher secondary level, and 1.65 lakh at the undergraduate level during the current fiscal year.
Additionally, Tk 16.26 billion has been proposed for the distribution of updated textbooks among secondary and higher secondary students.
Technical and Madrasa Education
Recognising the growing importance of technical and vocational education for job creation both at home and abroad, the government has proposed Tk 126.78 billion for the Technical and Madrasa Education in FY2025-26, up from Tk 117.83 billion in the current fiscal year.