Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced in the Jatiya Sangsad that the government is rolling out a massive, multi-tiered overhaul of the nation's schooling system.
Identifying 43 key priority areas, the prime minister signalled a shift toward treating education not just as a service, but as the country’s "best investment."
The headline goal? Gradually scaling up the education budget to reach a historic 5 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
The digital leap: Wi-fi, edu-ids, and AI
The Prime Minister’s vision is deeply rooted in technology, aiming to bridge the digital divide through a series of high-tech initiatives. Central to this plan is the introduction of a unique digital identity, or "Edu-ID," which will be assigned to every student and teacher to streamline academic records and services. This push for connectivity will see a rapid rollout within the next 180 days, during which free Wi-Fi will be launched across 2,336 technical institutions and 8,232 madrasahs.
Furthermore, the government is prioritising future-proofing the skills of the youth by providing specialised training in cutting-edge fields. Over the next six months, students will gain access to programs covering Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Python programming, and mobile app development, ensuring the new generation is equipped to compete on a global scale.
Modernising madrasas and technical schools
In a move to break away from traditional academic silos, the Prime Minister announced that technical education will now become mandatory alongside general studies at the secondary level. To support this shift, the government is laying the groundwork for a massive infrastructure expansion, with plans underway to establish technical schools in every upazila and polytechnic institutes in every district across the nation.
This modernisation effort extends deeply into the madrasah system as well, where traditional learning will be augmented by the installation of Smart Classrooms. By integrating technical courses directly into the madrasah curriculum, the government aims to ensure that all graduates, regardless of their educational background, are fully equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in the modern global job market.
Beyond the classroom: Uniforms and nutrition
Beyond long-term structural changes, the government is also focusing on the immediate welfare of students to ensure high attendance and better health. Within the current fiscal year, a major clothing drive will see 200,000 primary school students receiving free uniforms, a program that the administration plans to eventually expand to every corner of the country.
Simultaneously, the government is moving to tackle nutritional gaps that often hinder learning. To address this, school feeding programs and mid-day meals will be introduced across all upazilas in phases, ensuring that physical well-being remains a cornerstone of the nation’s educational strategy.
A vision for global competition
Replying to a question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Salim Reza, the Prime Minister emphasised that these reforms – from multimedia classrooms to free internet – are designed to prepare the new generation for a competitive global landscape.
"The state considers education as the best investment for the nation," the PM told the House. "We are committed to building a quality, life-oriented, and inclusive system that leaves no student behind."
With the Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair, the announcement marks a significant step in the BNP-led government's push for long-term structural development in human capital.