State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has indicated plans to increase and modernise student stipends to encourage school attendance and keep children engaged in the curriculum.
Speaking to journalists after visiting a primary scholarship examination centre at the King Faisal Institute in the capital on Friday, he said the scholarship programme is primarily aimed at motivating students and their families.
“We do not want to reduce or exclude any part of this encouragement process,” he said, noting that the government proceeded with the scholarship examination that had been delayed during the interim administration.
He added that there are plans to expand the programme further by increasing the number of students brought under scholarships in the coming years.
The minister also emphasized the importance of financial support, saying the government intends to raise the amount of stipends and other incentives provided to students.
“We want families to send their children to school and keep them connected to the curriculum. We will do everything necessary to support that,” he said.
Highlighting future reforms, he said the stipend system would be modernised to ensure that financial incentives are more effective and aligned with current needs. Discussions are already underway on how to structure these benefits to achieve the greatest impact.
He also called for input from education reporters and stakeholders, seeking ideas on how to better motivate students and families.
“The exact amount is not the main issue—whether it is five taka or 125 taka,” he said. “What matters is designing policies that truly help bring students back to the classroom and keep them there.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
