Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday said the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 gives the highest priority to the education sector with the goal of building a modern, technology-driven and inclusive system that produces skilled, humane and digitally competent citizens, reports BSS.
Taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget in the Jatiya Sangsad, Milon said the government had proposed one of the largest education budgets in the country's history to modernise education from primary to higher levels, accelerate digital transformation and ensure equal access to quality education.
At the beginning of his speech, the minister praised Bamong Khiang Minglen, head teacher of Tindu Junior Secondary School in Thanchi, Bandarban, for personally supporting the school by operating a tourist boat and using around Tk 30,000 of his monthly earnings to pay teachers' and staff salaries.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram in the chair, Milon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken notice of the matter and directed the nationalisation of the school.
The minister said about two percent of the country's GDP had been allocated to education in the proposed budget, with a total allocation of Tk 1.36 lakh crore. He added that the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry had separately allocated Tk 107.24 crore for education development.
He said the government's focus is not only on expanding infrastructure but also on improving the quality of education.
Milon said the "One Teacher, One Tab" programme would provide every teacher with a tablet while 25,000 multimedia classrooms would be established to support digital learning and student monitoring.
He said the "Learning with Happiness" initiative aims to move away from an examination-centred system by creating a more enjoyable learning environment. Under the programme, 30,000 teachers will receive specialised training and 20,000 multimedia classrooms will be established at the secondary and higher secondary levels.
The minister said the government would conduct Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of 50,000 educational institutions to identify disparities and undertake targeted development. It also plans to provide free Wi-Fi to 15,000 educational institutions.
He said every student would receive a Unique Education ID, although he believed a permanent national identity number issued at birth could eventually serve the same purpose.
To promote environmental awareness, the government will implement the "One Child, One Tree" programme, encouraging every student to plant at least one tree each year.
Milon said a Startup Innovation Showcase would be organised at the China Friendship Conference Centre to display innovative projects by young students and entrepreneurs.
He added that the government would continue promoting co-curricular activities, including Olympiads, debates, Scouts, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Girls' Guide programmes, with plans to establish 24,000 new BNCC units from next year.
Referring to education assistance, the minister said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced the Food for Education programme and stipend schemes, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman now plans to extend stipends up to the undergraduate level.
On higher education, Milon said several education-related memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the Prime Minister's recent visit to China. He added that the government is giving top priority to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to develop a skilled workforce.
He said sports, culture, ethics, family values, religious education and technology would be integrated into primary education, while debate, technical and vocational education would receive greater emphasis from Class VI.
The minister said non-formal education programmes for out-of-school children were being expanded. The government also plans to provide uniforms, shoes, socks and school bags to students at all government primary schools and gradually introduce a nationwide mid-day meal programme.
Milon said nearly 17,000 madrasa teachers had faced delays in salary payments due to a lack of budget allocations by the previous government, but Tk 100 crore had already been allocated, with the remaining funds expected in July.
He added that Tk 2,000 crore had been allocated to clear retirement and welfare trust benefits for teachers who retired after 2022.
The education minister expressed hope that the proposed budget would usher in a new era for Bangladesh's education sector by ensuring equal opportunities for every child to develop their talents, acquire skills and uphold moral values.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
