Education sector to get 5pc of national GDP, says Ehsanul Hoque Milon

The government has announced plans to allocate around 5 per cent of Bangladesh’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the education sector as part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of education and develop a skilled future workforce, said Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Thursday.

He made the remarks while speaking at a research report presentation ceremony, titled “From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Learning, Inclusion and Innovation in Classroom in Bangladesh,” held at Sheraton Hotel in the capital's Banani, where he stressed that increased and sustained investment in education is essential for long-term national development and human resource upskilling.

The minister said the government is committed to significantly enhancing funding in the sector to ensure better learning outcomes, modernised infrastructure, and improved teaching standards across the country.

He also said that previous administrations had not prioritised education spending adequately, claiming that allocations remained below 1.5 per cent of GDP over a long period.

Ehsanul Hoque Milon further said the government is working to expand the use of digital technology in education, including the introduction of interactive smart classrooms in all educational institutions nationwide.

He noted that although such initiatives were previously introduced, they lacked proper implementation, accountability and effectiveness.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, who was also present at the event, emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms in teacher quality and educational infrastructure.

He said the teaching profession should be made more attractive so that talented young people consider it a first-choice career.

Officials at the event said the proposed reforms aim to modernise the education system and align it with global standards, ensuring better preparedness of students for future job markets.