Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said education was one of the most critically damaged sectors of the state structure during years of “fascist rule”.
He made the remarks while announcing budget allocation for education and human resource development in the proposed FY2026–27 budget in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday afternoon.
He said the July Mass Uprising reflected youth aspirations and helped restore a democratic Bangladesh. He added that the country must now build a future where students grow into honest, competent, skilled and responsible citizens.
In his budget speech, the finance minister stressed restructuring the education sector. He said the BNP-led government had given highest priority to education and human resource development in the current budget, reflecting youth aspirations in a democracy free from fascism.
He proposed increasing education sector allocation to 2 per cent of GDP in the upcoming fiscal year. The total allocation stands at Tk1,36,606 crore. In FY2025–26, the allocation was Tk87,206 crore, equal to 1.39 per cent of GDP.
He said education has been placed as the second-highest priority sector in the proposed budget.
The minister said the government’s twin objectives are restoring discipline, transparency and accountability in the education sector.
He also said the aim is to create an environment where students and teachers can reach full potential through modern education, training and opportunities.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, elected by public mandate, is reforming the education curriculum. The goal is to build ethical values, social responsibility, leadership qualities and humane character among students.
He added that education is not only knowledge acquisition but also the strongest tool for shaping society.
Khosru also said the government has set a target to raise education sector spending to 5 per cent of GDP within the next five years under its electoral commitment.
