Budget FY27 boosts education spending to 2% of GDP

The government has proposed a significant increase in education funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year, pledging to reform the sector and strengthen human resource development as part of its long-term national agenda.

Presenting the proposed budget in Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said education remains one of the government‍‍`s highest priorities, with a focus on improving quality, accountability and opportunities for students across the country.

The proposed allocation for the education sector has been set at Tk 1,36,606 crore, equivalent to 2 percent of the country‍‍`s GDP. In comparison, the allocation for FY2025-26 stood at Tk 87,206 crore, or 1.39 percent of GDP.

Khosru said the government views education and human resource development as central to building a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh, capable of meeting future challenges through a skilled and responsible workforce.

He noted that the education sector would receive the second-highest priority among the government‍‍`s key spending areas in the upcoming fiscal year.

According to the finance minister, the government‍‍`s immediate goals are to restore discipline, transparency and accountability in educational institutions while creating an environment that allows students and teachers to reach their full potential through modern learning opportunities and training.

The budget speech also highlighted plans to modernize the national curriculum and place greater emphasis on ethical values, leadership skills, social responsibility and character development alongside academic learning.

Khosru said the government ultimately aims to transform education into a powerful tool for nation-building and social progress.

As part of its broader commitment, the government has set a target of increasing education spending to 5 percent of GDP over the next five years, fulfilling a key election pledge and signaling a long-term investment in the country‍‍`s future workforce.