Education spending to rise, accountability in focus: Minister Milon

Allocations to the education sector will increase further in the coming years, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon said on Saturday, emphasising the need for effective prioritisation and accountability to ensure proper utilisation of public funds.

He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a programme held at the auditorium of Rajshahi Medical College.

"The budget for the education sector will increase further. However, it is important to set the right priorities to ensure that the money is spent in the right sectors," he said, adding that there is no alternative to planned and target-based expenditure to ensure quality education.

Emphasising the importance of technical education, he said it cannot be neglected under any circumstances and that the government has already given priority to the sector.

During the programme, the minister held an open discussion with students and teachers and sought their views on problems in the education sector. Students raised concerns over irregular classes, delays in examinations and inconsistencies between the syllabus and curriculum. Teachers highlighted outdated laboratory equipment and infrastructural limitations affecting practical learning.