The government of Bangladesh is rolling out special financial support totaling nearly taka 64.1 million to assist more than 7100 teachers, students, and educational institutions across the country.
The initiative is part of the current fiscal year's allocation under the Special Grants segment of the Secondary and Higher Education Department.
An official document signed by Liuza-ul-Jannah, Deputy Secretary of the department’s budget section, outlined the details of the scheme, which was approved on June 17. The grants are set to benefit 101 educational institutions, 250 teachers and staff members, 4047 secondary students, and 2702 students enrolled in colleges and universities.
According to the plan, each of the selected educational institutions will receive one lakh taka, bringing their total allocation to around 10.1 million taka. Teachers and staff will be awarded 30000 taka each, amounting to 7.5 million taka overall.
Students form the largest beneficiary group. Approximately 32.4 million taka will be distributed among secondary school students, with each of the 4047 receiving 8000 taka. Meanwhile, 1428 students in grades 11 and 12 will get 9000 taka each, totaling nearly 12.85 million taka. Additionally, 1274 students pursuing graduation and higher studies will receive 10000 taka each, adding up to around 12.74 million taka.
The funds will be transferred through the Bangladesh Post Office’s digital platform Nagad, ensuring quick delivery directly to mobile accounts of teachers, staff, and students. The grants for educational institutions will be credited to their respective bank accounts.
Earlier, a policy framework was established under the guidance of Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, then Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, to guide these special allocations for both public and private educational institutions as well as their teachers and students.
The policy calls for a nine-member district-level committee led by the Deputy Commissioner and supported by the District Education Officer to screen applications. These will then be reviewed by a 13-member central committee at the ministry headed by the Additional Secretary for Administration and Finance.
Ministry sources indicated that priority is being given to schools in underdeveloped regions, teachers battling chronic illnesses, and students who are disadvantaged, disabled, from third-gender communities, or otherwise marginalized. Grants have specifically been earmarked for individuals affected by cancer, heart and kidney disease, diabetes, paralysis, and severe injuries from accidents.
Siddique Zobair, Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, said the initiative highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable educational opportunities. He added that these grants aim to strengthen under-resourced schools and support teachers, staff, and students facing hardship so they can continue their educational journey without interruption.
