Tech, Skills Drive Bangladesh’s New Education Blueprint

Bangladesh is preparing for a major transformation of its education system placing technology, skills development and innovation at the heart of a long-term strategy aimed at building a globally competitive workforce and accelerating economic growth.

Under an ambitious plan outlined in the FY2026-27 budget document, the government intends to gradually increase education spending to 5 percent of GDP over the next five years while introducing wide-ranging reforms designed to equip young people with the knowledge, technical expertise and digital skills needed for the jobs of the future.

The government views education not merely as a means of obtaining certificates but as the most reliable foundation for national reconstruction, productivity growth, social equity and employment generation.

The document says the government  has already begun laying the groundwork for improving educational infrastructure, enhancing teaching quality, expanding technology-based learning and developing a workforce capable of competing in both domestic and international labour markets.

Emphasising the country’s large youth population, the government said Bangladesh’s demographic dividend can only be transformed into national wealth through a modern education system that equips students with knowledge, skills, ethical values and innovative capacity.

As part of a major overhaul, the government plans to reform the curriculum to promote leadership, social responsibility, creativity and character development alongside academic learning.

Greater emphasis will be placed on technical and vocational education, third-language instruction, sports, cultural activities and technology-enabled learning.

The budget document outlines plans to progressively introduce technical education from Class VI onwards, enabling students to acquire market-relevant skills in fields such as agriculture, ICT, electrical work, electronics, graphic design, tourism, healthcare and construction.

A mandatory third-language programme, including options such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French and German, is also being considered.

To support overseas higher education and language learning, the government has already introduced student loans of up to Tk 10 lakh.

The government also announced a range of welfare initiatives, including free education for girls up to the graduate level, expanded merit-based scholarships, school uniforms and learning materials for disadvantaged students, and greater support for children with disabilities.

A nationwide Mid-Day Meal Programme will be gradually introduced to improve student nutrition and health, while special attention will be given to sanitation and hygiene facilities for female students and women teachers.

To build a technology-driven education system, the government plans to implement a “One Teacher, One Tab” programme, establish multimedia classrooms, expand free Wi-Fi access, introduce a unique Edu-ID for every student and increase digital library facilities.

Students will also receive exposure to artificial intelligence, robotics, coding and digital literacy.

The document further highlighted efforts to strengthen links between education and employment through industry-academia partnerships, apprenticeships, internships and entrepreneurship programmes.

Universities and industries will jointly establish skills development centres and offer industry-recognised short courses.

The government also aims to reverse “brain drain” by engaging highly educated Bangladeshis living abroad through student exchange programmes, visiting scholar initiatives, joint research projects and internationally recognised credit transfer systems.

Quality improvement across all streams of education, including primary, secondary, higher, madrasa and technical education, remains a priority, the document says.

It also promises regular teacher training, professional development opportunities and special incentives for educators serving in rural and remote areas.

The story of tomorrow’s Bangladesh will be written by today’s children, adolescents and young people, the document states, adding that the government seeks to build a generation capable not only of securing employment but also of creating new opportunities and leading change, reports UNB.