Government announces free education up to bachelor's to boost women's participation in higher education

The government has announced an initiative to expand free education up to the bachelor's level for girls in the country to promote women's education and strengthen women's empowerment. The new measure was announced in the budget speech for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed budget in the National Parliament on Thursday, June 11.

The budget highlighted this special initiative as one of the most important policy measures to increase women's participation in higher education.

According to the government's plan, free education for girls up to the bachelor's level will be ensured in phases. This is expected to increase women's participation in higher education and strengthen their presence in the workforce.

According to the budget, the total size for the new fiscal year is Tk 9,38,000 crore. The revenue collection target has been set at Tk 6,95,000 crore, resulting in a deficit of Tk 2,43,000 crore, which will be financed through domestic and foreign loans.

Education experts believe that if implemented, this initiative will bring significant changes in human resource development and women's economic empowerment. Access to higher education will become much easier, especially for girls from rural and low-income families.

They further said that in the long term, this will not only increase the literacy rate but also have a positive impact on employment, entrepreneurship creation and social development.