In the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, allocations for secondary, higher education, technical, and madrasa education have been increased. However, the allocation for primary and mass education has been significantly reduced, raising concerns among teachers and stakeholders in the sector.
According to the budget proposal, an additional Tk 3,456 crore has been allocated to the Secondary and Higher Education Division, while the Technical and Madrasa Education Division is set to receive Tk 895 crore more than the previous year. These increases are expected to bring positive developments in those educational sectors, including potential benefits for teachers.
In contrast, the allocation for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has been set at Tk 35,403 crore, down from Tk 38,819 crore in the previous fiscal year — a reduction of Tk 3,416 crore. This significant cut may lead to financial constraints in the primary education sector.
The interim government’s financial advisor, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, presented the Tk 7,89,999 crore national budget in a pre-recorded speech broadcast on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 3 PM today (Monday, June 2). Earlier in the morning, the proposed budget was approved at a special meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by the Chief Advisor.
Education experts fear that the reduction in primary education funding could hinder efforts to improve teacher salaries, infrastructure development, and the overall quality of education in the country.
