Technical education for all from Class VI planned

The government has announced plans to gradually introduce technical and vocational education for all students from Class VI, alongside compulsory third-language learning, as part of efforts to transform Bangladesh into a skills-based economy.

The government plans to introduce technical and vocational education for all students from Class VI in phases and make a third language compulsory in addition to Bangla and English, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while presenting the FY2026-27 budget in Parliament on Thursday.

Under the proposed initiative, students will have the opportunity to learn international languages such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, French and German. To encourage higher education abroad, students proficient in a third language will be eligible for education loans of up to Tk 10 lakh.

The government also plans to place greater emphasis on vocational training, technology-based education, sports, cultural activities and "learning with happiness" in the national curriculum.

The proposed education framework aims to create equal opportunities for students to develop careers as skilled technicians, technologists, agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, teachers, business professionals and athletes based on their interests and abilities.

The budget also outlines plans to expand co-curricular activities, including debate competitions, science fairs, cultural programmes and literary clubs in educational institutions.

In addition, madrasa students will receive enhanced education in science, mathematics, English and information technology alongside religious studies, with a focus on job-oriented training programmes.

TZ