Students seek higher education allocation in budget
Students from higher education institutions across Bangladesh have called on the government to place primary and technical education at the centre of the upcoming national budget, arguing that stronger investment in these sectors is essential for improving educational quality and creating future employment opportunities.
The demands emerged from a research survey conducted by Education Rights Parliament, which was unveiled at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Friday.
The survey findings showed that participants want the government to allocate at least 5 percent or more of the country’s GDP to the education sector in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
According to the students, strengthening primary education is critical for building a solid educational foundation, while expanding technical education is necessary to equip young people with skills and improve employment prospects.
Assistant Professor at the Institute of Education and Research (IER) of Jagannath University Md. Shahnewaz Khan Chandon, who serves as Member Secretary of Education Rights Parliament, presented the survey findings.
Among those present at the event were Abu Sadat Md. Mostansir Billah, Misbahur Rahman Asim, Mahfuzur Rahman Manik and Mazharul Islam.
The organisers described the survey as particularly significant because it was conducted ahead of the first budget of the new democratic government. They said the initiative aimed to convey students’ independent opinions on education financing and provide policymakers with research-based recommendations, especially from students studying education-related disciplines.
According to the survey, 350 students from higher education institutions across the country participated directly in the research.
Of the respondents, 61.14 percent were undergraduate (Honours) students, while 36 percent were studying at the postgraduate (Master’s) level.
Half of all participants came from Education, Education Administration and Education and Research (IER) disciplines. Students from other academic fields, including English, Economics and Sociology, also took part in the survey.
The survey included students from 17 public universities, 9 private universities, 4 graduate-level madrasas and various colleges affiliated with the National University.
Among the institutions represented were the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University, University of Chittagong, Noakhali University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.
The recommendations reflect growing calls from students for greater investment in education, with a focus on improving foundational learning, expanding technical training and pursuing broader reforms to strengthen the country’s education system.
