Bangladesh’s first budget under the current BNP government proposes a record allocation of Tk 1,36,606 crore for education, raising the sector’s share to 2 percent of GDP. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the plan in parliament, emphasizing technical education, research, innovation, and third-language learning to link education with economic growth. The budget also sets a goal to raise education spending to 5 percent of GDP within five years.

Education experts welcomed the increased allocation as a reflection of the government’s election pledges but noted that it still falls short of UNESCO’s 4–6 percent guideline. Several educators and organizations expressed concern that the budget lacks directives to improve teachers’ living standards, salaries, and benefits, particularly for MPO-listed and ibtedayi madrasa teachers. They warned that without addressing teachers’ welfare, the goal of “education with happiness” would remain unfulfilled.

Analysts urged transparent implementation and effective use of funds to ensure quality education and skill development aligned with labor market needs.