Education gets top priority in budget 2026-27: Third language, foreign study loan proposed

The BNP government is set to give the highest priority to the education sector in the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. According to Ministry of Finance sources, several new initiatives, including the addition of a third language to the education curriculum and loan facilities for higher education abroad, may be included in this year's budget.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury will present the budget in the National Parliament on Thursday afternoon, June 11. This is the current government's first budget, with a proposed size of Tk 9,38,000 crore.

According to the proposed plan, a major transformation will be brought to the existing curriculum. Special emphasis will be given to developing ethics, social responsibility, leadership qualities and human values among students. Technical and vocational education, technology-based curricula, and sports and cultural activities will also be made part of mainstream education. There is also a proposal to make technical education compulsory from Class VI onwards.

Additionally, there is a plan to introduce the concept of 'Learning with Happiness' in the education system, aimed at ensuring a stress-free and joyful learning environment for students.

Significant changes are coming to language education. Alongside Bangla and English, multiple third languages including Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French and German are proposed to be included in the curriculum. Additionally, loan facilities of up to Tk 10 lakh will be provided for students wishing to pursue higher education in these countries. The main goal of this initiative is to develop skilled manpower for the international labour market.

To expand women's education, plans are in place to extend free education up to the bachelor's level. The budget also includes plans to provide school uniforms, shoes and bags for poor students, and to further strengthen inclusive education for students with disabilities and special needs.

A proposal has been made to gradually introduce mid-day meals across the country to protect students' nutrition and health. Initiatives are also being taken to strengthen healthy sanitation and hygiene facilities for female students and teachers.

With a focus on technology and AI-based education, plans have been made to set up multimedia classrooms, provide free Wi-Fi connectivity and implement a 'One Teacher, One Tab' programme. The ministry expects this will increase the digital skills of both teachers and students.

Additionally, the budget will include plans to make co-curricular activities such as debates, science fairs, cultural events and literary pursuits more active at the school and college levels.