The government's preliminary budget estimates for FY2026-27 indicate that education and health will receive the highest priority in public spending. Among the most notable features of the upcoming budget is a planned increase of nearly 30 percent in allocations for the Health Services Division. Significant increases are also projected for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. In contrast, spending on local government, agriculture, and power is expected to remain relatively restrained.
An analysis of the preliminary estimates for the 10 highest-funded ministries and divisions shows that the government is shaping next year's expenditure framework around the social sectors, particularly education and healthcare. Despite global economic pressures, revenue collection challenges, and the need to reassess development spending priorities, the estimates reflect a clear emphasis on human capital development.
According to the projections, the Health Services Division, which received Tk 31,022 crore in FY2025-26, is expected to receive Tk 40,189 crore in FY2026-27. This represents an increase of Tk 9,167 crore in a single fiscal year, equivalent to nearly 30 percent growth. Among the major spending sectors, this increase stands out as one of the most significant features of the proposed budget framework.
The Secondary and Higher Education Division continues to hold the position of the largest recipient of government funding. Its allocation is projected to rise from Tk 49,564 crore in the current fiscal year to Tk 50,302 crore in FY2026-27. Although the increase is relatively modest, the education sector remains at the top in terms of overall allocation.
Defence spending is also set to increase. The Ministry of Defence, which received Tk 40,851 crore in FY2025-26, is projected to receive Tk 42,462 crore next year, reflecting an additional Tk 1,611 crore in funding.
The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education is expected to be another major beneficiary of the upcoming budget. Its allocation is projected to rise from Tk 35,400 crore in the current fiscal year to Tk 42,145 crore in FY2026-27, marking an increase of Tk 6,745 crore, or nearly 19 percent. The additional funding is expected to support the expansion of primary education, infrastructure development, and broader educational services across the country.
A different picture emerges for the Local Government Division. Its allocation is projected to decline from Tk 42,400 crore in FY2025-26 to Tk 40,100 crore next year, indicating a reduction of approximately Tk 2,300 crore. Although a substantial portion of local infrastructure and public services is implemented through this division, the estimates suggest a reallocation of spending priorities.
The Roads and Highways Division is expected to see a modest increase in funding. Its allocation may rise from Tk 38,496 crore in the current fiscal year to Tk 39,079 crore in FY2026-27, underscoring the government's continued commitment to transport infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the allocation for the Ministry of Home Affairs is projected to remain almost unchanged. The ministry received Tk 31,040 crore in FY2025-26, while the preliminary estimate for next year stands at Tk 31,010 crore, indicating no major shift in spending plans.
The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to experience a slight reduction in funding, with its allocation declining from Tk 29,224 crore to Tk 28,796 crore. Similarly, the Power Division's allocation may fall from Tk 20,042 crore to Tk 19,244 crore, reflecting a more cautious approach to expenditure in both sectors.
The most remarkable proportional increase is projected for the Ministry of Science and Technology. Its allocation is expected to rise from Tk 12,869 crore in FY2025-26 to Tk 18,077 crore in FY2026-27. This represents an additional Tk 5,208 crore within a year and a growth rate of more than 40 percent-the highest among the 10 sectors reviewed.
Overall, the preliminary estimates suggest that the government is placing particular emphasis on human resource development, healthcare expansion, primary education, and science and technology. At the same time, investment in defence and transport infrastructure is expected to continue. By contrast, spending on agriculture, power, and local government appears comparatively restrained.
However, these figures remain preliminary and do not constitute the final national budget. Allocations may change during the budget presentation in Parliament and the subsequent approval process. Even so, the current estimates clearly indicate that education and health will remain at the centre of the government's spending priorities in FY2026-27.
