Budget FY27: Education allocation proposed to be fixed at 2% of GDP

In this year's budget (FY2026-27), the government is likely set to increase education sector allocations to 2% of GDP, with a total allocation of Tk136,606 crore.

The budget allocation for education was Tk87,206 crore, or 1.39% of GDP in FY26. In comparison, an allocation of about Tk49,400 crore more has been proposed in the new fiscal year.

The budget proposal for FY27 has been presented by the Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the Parliament since 3pm today (11 June).

The proposed budget is expected to have a total outlay of Tk9.38 lakh crore, making it the largest national budget in Bangladesh's history.

The government's goal is to gradually increase government investment in education to 5% of the GDP. To this end, special importance will be given to technical and vocational education, third language education, sports, culture, technology-based education and the concept of "Learning with Happiness."

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake initiatives to transform the education curriculum to foster moral values, social responsibility, leadership qualities and humanitarian character among students.

The government will seek to create an environment where students and teachers can realise their full potential through modern education, training and facilities. 

For madrasa students, the government will aim to improve the quality of science, mathematics, English and information technology education alongside religious studies and will introduce employment-oriented training programmes.

The government will aim to establish a framework enabling students to pursue careers aligned with their talents, preferences and interests, allowing them to become skilled technicians, technologists, agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, teachers, businesspeople, athletes or professionals in other fields with equal dignity and success.

Co-curricular activities, including debate clubs, science fairs, cultural programmes and literary practice, will be encouraged to develop students' latent talents.

Technical education is to be introduced for all students in phases starting from Grade 6 to transform Bangladesh into a skills-based economy.

In addition to Bangla and English, a compulsory third language such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French or German will be incorporated into the curriculum.

To support this initiative, the government will provide loans of up to Tk10 lakh to students proficient in a third language who wish to pursue higher education in those countries.

Free education for girls will be expanded up to the undergraduate level and the government will provide school uniforms, shoes, school bags for underprivileged students and ensure inclusive education for children with disabilities and special needs through specialised assistive technologies and learning materials.

A mid-day meal programme is to be introduced and gradually expanded nationwide to address students' nutritional needs and ensure good health.

Healthcare services will also be strengthened, with particular emphasis on sanitation and hygiene facilities for female students and teachers.

To promote technology- and AI-based education, the government is set to implement the "One Teacher, One Tab" programme, establish multimedia classrooms and expand free Wi-Fi facilities.

Entrepreneurship will be promoted through stronger industry-academia linkages, apprenticeship and internship opportunities and support for start-up ventures.

The government will work to transform "brain drain" into "brain circulation" by engaging highly educated Bangladeshis living abroad and integrating their global knowledge, skills and experience into the country's education and research systems.

The government will also prioritise research and innovation and ensure effective patronage for these sectors.

A point to be noted, the budget publication states that while recognising the importance of developing a skilled workforce. In FY 2026-27, allocations equivalent to 2% and 1.01% of GDP have been earmarked for the education and health sectors, respectively.

The allocation for the education sector has been increased to Tk136,606 crore, significantly higher than the current year's allocation of Tk87,206 crore (1.39% of GDP).

This estimate includes allocations not only for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary & Mass Education, but also for educational and technical institutions operated by other ministries, including Textiles, Railways, Defence, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Information & Communication Technology.