Budget outlines plan to attract global talent, strengthen research
The draft budget proposes a third-language requirement in education and loans of up to Tk10 lakh for students seeking higher studies abroad
The draft FY2026–27 budget outlines a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's research ecosystem, expanding global education opportunities and connecting overseas Bangladeshi experts with local institutions.
According to the draft budget speech obtained by The Business Standard, the government plans to transform "brain drain" into "brain circulation" by engaging highly educated Bangladeshis living abroad in the country's education and research sectors.
The draft also emphasises greater investment in research and innovation, with a focus on ensuring effective support for knowledge-based development. In a major proposal, the government plans to introduce a compulsory third language alongside Bangla and English in the education curriculum. Languages under consideration include Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French and German.
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To support international education, students proficient in a third language may receive loans of up to Tk10 lakh to pursue higher studies in countries where those languages are widely spoken.
The proposals are part of broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce, strengthen research capacity and enhance Bangladesh's integration into the global knowledge economy. The measures remain subject to change before the final budget announcement.
