Government announces boost to education funding: target 5% of GDP

The government has announced a plan to raise investment in the education sector to 5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to improve the education system and develop a skilled workforce.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon made the announcement on Thursday at an event titled “Strengthening Innovative Approaches in the Classroom,” organized by UNICEF at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka.

He said previous governments had never allocated more than 1.5 percent of GDP to education, which created major gaps in quality improvement, technology-based learning, and human resource development.

Read More: Milestone tragedy: Petition to file case against Dr Yunus

Milon said the current government considers education the foundation of national development and is preparing a long-term plan to increase funding and modernize classrooms through technology-based and interactive learning.

He stressed that education should focus not only on school enrollment but also on improving students’ skills, creativity, and practical abilities to compete in the global job market.

Prime Minister's Special Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin said teaching must become a highly respected profession so that talented young people choose it as a first career option.

He also said the government is planning to introduce skill-based education, strengthen Bangla and English learning, and add a third international language to improve overseas job opportunities and increase remittance inflows.

Speakers at the event said higher investment in education would help improve infrastructure, teacher training, research, and job-oriented skills, bringing long-term positive changes to the sector.