The government of Bangladesh is set to unveil a proposed national budget of Tk 7,90,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26, a decrease of approximately Tk 7,000 crore from the current year’s original budget and Tk 46,000 crore lower than the revised estimate. The budget reflects a strategic shift in government priorities, particularly in education, energy security, and public safety, in response to evolving national challenges and social dynamics.
Primary Education Faces Cuts; Secondary and Madrasa Budgets Rise
One of the most notable changes in the upcoming budget is a reduction in allocations for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, which will receive Tk 35,403 crore. This marks a decline from Tk 38,819 crore in the original budget for 2024–25 and a marginal drop from the revised amount of Tk 35,123 crore. In contrast, funding for the Technical and Madrasa Education Division has been increased to Tk 12,678 crore, compared to Tk 11,783 crore in the current year’s original budget. Although this figure was reduced to Tk 9,953 crore in the revised budget, the new increase reflects rising enrollment rates in madrasa institutions.
The Secondary and Higher Education Division is also seeing a substantial allocation of Tk 47,564 crore, up from Tk 44,108 crore in the original budget and significantly higher than the revised figure of Tk 39,233 crore. These shifts indicate a growing government focus on post-primary education, driven by changing enrollment patterns and the need to strengthen technical and religious education infrastructure.
Doubling Investment in Gas for Energy Crisis
In light of the ongoing energy crisis, particularly in gas supply, the government has proposed a near doubling of the budget for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to Tk 2,178 crore. This funding will support the drilling of at least five new gas wells to boost domestic production. In comparison, last year’s original and revised allocations stood at Tk 1,086 crore and Tk 1,053 crore respectively.
However, allocations for the Power Division have been reduced to Tk 20,342 crore, down from Tk 29,229 crore in the current budget and even lower than the revised figure of Tk 21,651 crore. This cut may reflect a reorientation toward energy self-sufficiency through gas exploration, reducing dependency on electricity imports or subsidies.
Read More: Budget Prioritises People Over Infrastructure: Finance Adviser
Public Safety Gets Boost Post-Uprising
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division will receive a budget of Tk 27,001 crore, compared to Tk 25,634 crore in the revised budget and Tk 26,876 crore in the original. This increase is reportedly in response to damages incurred by law enforcement agencies during the July 2024 public uprising, highlighting a shift toward reinforcing internal security forces.
Healthcare Allocation Increased, But Concerns Remain
Healthcare will receive Tk 31,022 crore, higher than both the original (Tk 30,125 crore) and revised (Tk 21,116 crore) budgets. The government has pledged to finance critical medical equipment and services through the revenue budget instead of relying solely on development project funding, aiming to ensure more sustainable and long-term use of healthcare resources.
However, allocations for health education and family welfare have been slightly reduced, raising concerns about the long-term development of human resources in the health sector.
Agriculture and Food Security Stay Steady
The Ministry of Agriculture will receive Tk 27,224 crore, a negligible increase from last year’s allocation of Tk 27,214 crore. The revised budget stood at Tk 24,695 crore. Meanwhile, to combat inflation and ensure food security, the Food Ministry’s allocation will be increased to Tk 29,541 crore, compared to Tk 23,315 crore in the previous year.
