News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, June 28, 2026 (BSS) - Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul
Hoque Milon today said the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 has
attached the highest priority to the education sector, aiming to build a
modern, technology-driven and inclusive education system to develop skilled,
humane and digitally competent citizens.
Taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget in the Jatiya
Sangsad (JS), he said the government has announced one of the largest
education budgets in the country's history to modernise education from
primary to higher levels, accelerate digital transformation and ensure
equitable access to quality education.
At the outset of his speech, the minister highlighted the dedication of
Bamong Khiang Minglen, head teacher of Tindu Junior Secondary School in the
remote Tindu area of Thanchi upazila in Bandarban.
He said the school, established in 2020, currently has 56 students. As most
students come from poor families and are unable to pay tuition fees
regularly, the head teacher has been operating an engine-powered boat to
transport tourists and spending around Taka 30,000 from his earnings every
month to support the salaries of the school's teachers and staff.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir-Bikram, in the chair, the minister said
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken note of the matter and has already
directed the nationalisation of the school.
Milon said around two percent of the country's GDP has been allocated to the
education sector in the proposed budget, the highest ever. A total of Taka
1.36 lakh crore has been earmarked for education while additional allocations
are being made through other ministries, he added.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry has also allocated Taka 107.24
crore for education development, the education minister continued.
He said the government's objective is not only to improve infrastructure but
also to enhance the quality of education.
Milon said the Education Ministry is implementing the "One Teacher, One Tab"
programme under which every teacher will receive a tablet device and 25,000
multimedia classrooms will be established to facilitate digital teaching and
enable regular monitoring of students' progress.
He said the government's "Learning with Happiness" initiative aims to shift
education away from an examination-centric approach and create a more joyful
learning environment. Under the programme, 30,000 teachers are being provided
with specialised training, while another 20,000 multimedia classrooms are
being set up at the secondary and higher secondary levels.
Milon said the government will conduct Geographic Information System (GIS)
mapping of 50,000 educational institutions to identify social and
geographical disparities and undertake targeted development initiatives. It
has also planned to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity to 15,000 educational
institutions, he added.
The government is introducing a Unique Education ID for every student,
although he personally believes a permanent national identity number assigned
at birth would eliminate the need for a separate education identification
system, the minister said.
Highlighting environmental awareness, he said the "One Child, One Tree"
programme will encourage every student to plant at least one tree annually.
He also said a Startup Innovation Showcase will be organised at the China
Friendship Conference Centre to exhibit innovative projects developed by
young students and entrepreneurs.
"The government is placing equal emphasis on co-curricular activities,
including Olympiads, debates, Scouts, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC)
and Girls' Guide programmes. Preparations are underway to establish 24,000
new BNCC units across the country from next year," he further said.
Referring to education assistance programmes, Milon said BNP Chairperson
Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced the Food for Education programme at the
primary level and later stipend schemes. Building on that legacy, Prime
Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to extend stipend facilities up
to the undergraduate level, he added.
On higher education and employment, the minister said several memorandums of
understanding (MoUs) in the education sector were signed during the Prime
Minister's recent visit to China.
He said the government is placing the highest priority on Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to transform the country's large
workforce into skilled human resources.
He said initiatives have also been taken to integrate sports, culture, family
values, ethics, religious education and technology into primary education,
while debate, technical and vocational education will receive greater
emphasis from Class VI.
The minister said non-formal education programmes for out-of-school children
are being expanded. The government also plans to provide school uniforms,
shoes, socks and bags to students of all government primary schools and
gradually introduce a nationwide mid-day meal programme to address child
malnutrition, he added.
Milon said temporary complications had arisen over the payment of salaries to
nearly 17,000 madrasa teachers recruited by the previous government due to
the absence of budgetary allocations. However, the finance minister has
already allocated Taka 100 crore, with the remaining funds expected to be
released in July.
He also said many teachers who retired since 2022 have yet to receive their
retirement and welfare trust benefits. To resolve the issue, the finance
minister has initiated an allocation of Taka 2,000 crore.
The education minister expressed optimism that implementation of the proposed
education budget would usher in a new era in Bangladesh's education system by
ensuring equal opportunities for every child to develop their talents,
acquire skills and uphold moral values.
