Education Budget Falls Short of Expectations in Proposed FY2025-26 National Budget

Strategic Insights -

The government's latest budgetary allocation for education raises serious concerns about its commitment to building a knowledge-based economy. Despite a nominal increase in the education budget of Tk 932 crore, the sector's share in GDP has dropped for the sixth consecutive year, falling to 1.53 per cent from last year's 1.69 per cent. This decline is particularly troubling given the government's repeated promises of reform. The budget's allocation pattern is equally disturbing, with funding for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education slashed by Tk 3,416 crore, undermining the foundation of the education system - early learning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The education budget has increased by Tk 932 crore, but the sector's share in GDP has dropped for the sixth consecutive year, falling to 1.53 per cent from last year's 1.69 per cent.
  • The budget allocates Tk 3,416 crore less to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, which is responsible for early learning and the foundation of the education system.
  • Educationists have criticized the proposed budget as 'traditional' and 'old-fashioned', prioritizing madrassah education at the expense of primary schooling.
  • Professor Emeritus Manzoor Ahmed of BRAC University notes that such decisions risk widening the gap in educational equity and quality.
  • The government allocates 18.8 per cent of the development budget to education and technology, but most of the budget will go towards salaries and non-development expenses.
  • Campaign for Popular Education's Mostafizur Rahaman points out that increased funding for teacher training, curriculum development, and school infrastructure is necessary for systemic improvement.
  • The demand for allocating at least 4 per cent of GDP to education is a practical necessity to meet the country's development goals and equip future generations for a competitive global landscape.

Statistics:

  • Education budget increase: Tk 932 crore.
  • Education sector share in GDP: 1.53 per cent (FY2025-26), 1.69 per cent (FY2024-25).
  • Funding reduction for Ministry of Primary and Mass Education: Tk 3,416 crore.
  • Development budget allocation for education and technology: 18.8 per cent.
  • Total education budget as a percentage of GDP: Not specified.

Sources:

  • "Budget reflects government's old-fashioned way of thinking" by The Daily Star [url not provided]
  • "Educationists slate the budget" by The Daily Sun [url not provided]
  • "Campaign for Popular Education criticizes budget" by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha [url not provided]