Tk4,136cr earmarked for 36 priority interventions in edn

The government finalised a 180-day action plan for the education sector combining immediate welfare interventions with medium term structural reforms aimed at modernisation, digital integration and equitable access. 

The programme, aligned with electoral commitments of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), prioritises teacher development, classroom technology expansion and enhanced social protection for students.

Officials said the plan identifies 36 priority interventions to be implemented between March and August, with an estimated allocation of 4,136 crore taka. The initiatives are described as a mix of rapid delivery measures and foundational reforms intended to reshape the education system over time.

PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS CRASH PROGRAMME IN 180 DAYS
*    One Teacher One Tab
*    Multimedia classrooms
*    Compulsory third language education
*    Universal technical education 
*    Recognition of Quran reciters
*    One Child One Tree programmes 
*    20,000 multimedia classrooms will be established

In a recent Ministry of Education meeting, the Primary and Mass Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon stressed swift implementation of electoral pledges, stating that measures such as One Teacher One Tab, multimedia classrooms, compulsory third language education, universal technical education and One Child One Tree programmes would be introduced. He also emphasised free school uniforms and sneakers, student loan facilities for overseas higher education and recognition of Quran reciters.

He further instructed authorities to address bottlenecks in teacher training. "Training of all teachers should be ensured quickly by conducting training programmes in multiple shifts if necessary," he said, adding that teachers above 50 years of age who were nationalised would also be included in training.

The plan includes distribution of free school uniforms and sneakers to more than two lakh students in each upazila within 180 days, with the intention of extending coverage to all primary students nationwide as soon as possible.

Officials confirmed that 50,000 teachers across primary, secondary, madrasa and college levels will receive tablets under the 'One Teacher One Tab' initiative. A comprehensive digital education platform is also being developed, integrating learning management systems, content repositories and administrative tools for attendance, assessment and results management.

The Minister said the reforms aim to ensure "modernisation and inclusive development" through initiatives including multimedia classrooms, technical education expansion and environmental awareness programmes.

Under infrastructure and digitalisation plans, 20,000 multimedia classrooms will be established within 180 days. Officials said equipment audits are underway and technical specifications are being finalised, with full operation expected within the period. The classrooms will support audio visual learning to replace traditional methods.

In addition, 1,500 educational institutions will receive free WiFi connectivity to reduce digital inequality and support research and teaching. Connectivity will be extended to staff rooms, libraries and designated learning areas.

The government will also launch Education Television to broadcast curriculum based programmes nationwide. Officials said it will help address disparities between urban and rural education through standardised instruction by trained teachers.