The government is planning to increase the education budget to 5% of the country’s GDP to eliminate financial constraints and ensure quality learning, Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon said today (7 April).

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting organised by the Barishal Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Barishal.

The minister criticised the previous government, alleging that the education sector had been neglected due to a lack of goodwill rather than input from students, teachers, or guardians. He said those responsible during that period should be held accountable.

To maintain uniform standards and remove disparities in the national education system, the minister confirmed the decision to hold examinations across the country using identical question papers.

Milon further warned of a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding answer script evaluation.

“There will be no compromise on the quality of assessment. If any negligence or irregularity is detected, strict punitive measures will be taken against the concerned examiners,” he said, adding that monitoring activities would be intensified at every stage of the examination process.

The government is also working on a plan to integrate online and offline classes to streamline educational activities in metropolitan areas.

“We have already initiated discussions with various stakeholders. A formal report based on these consultations will be submitted to the prime minister this Thursday. A final decision will be announced following a review of that report,” the minister said.

Emphasising the government’s focus on quality education, Milon said increasing budget allocation is essential to overcome resource constraints in the sector.

The event was chaired by Md Yunus Ali Siddiqui, chairman of the Barishal Education Board. Among others present were Barishal-5 MP Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, Barishal City Corporation administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, and Barishal University Vice-Chancellor Md Toufiq Alam.

Later, the minister also exchanged views with journalists at the Barishal City Corporation.