An opinion piece published on April 27, 2026, argues that Bangladesh must significantly increase its education budget to strengthen the nation’s intellectual foundation. The article notes that while visible infrastructure projects such as bridges and metro rails are expanding, the country’s “invisible infrastructure” of knowledge and human capital remains underfunded. UNESCO and the International Labour Organization recommend allocating 4–6 percent of GDP or 15–20 percent of the national budget to education, but Bangladesh’s spending has stagnated around 2 percent of GDP for over a decade.

The author highlights structural weaknesses in spending, with most funds directed toward buildings, furniture, and salaries rather than research, teacher training, or laboratory development. This imbalance, the article warns, undermines educational quality and contributes to brain drain. The piece also stresses that inadequate funding widens inequality between rich and poor students and between urban and rural schools.

It concludes that prioritizing education in upcoming budgets and long-term plans is essential for building a smart, self-reliant Bangladesh capable of meeting global challenges through skilled and creative human resources.