Bangladesh’s education sector faces funding crisis as massive debt repayments drain resources meant for schools and universities.

Top government official revealed during a critical budget discussion at Dhaka University (DU) on Tuesday.

Education Ministry Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar delivered a stark warning that “a significant portion of foreign loans is being spent to repay previous debts” rather than improving educational infrastructure.

Speaking at the “Budget 2025–26: Education and Employment” session, he admitted Bangladesh has been trapped in this cycle “for years,” making it increasingly “difficult to allocate sufficient funds to priority sectors like education.”

The revelation comes as Bangladesh grapples with spiralling debt obligations that consume enormous chunks of the national budget. Abrar emphasised that simply “forming an Education Commission will not solve all problems” whilst fundamental funding shortfalls persist. Instead, he called for “timely and actionable steps with clear deadlines” to break free from the debt-education funding squeeze.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan acknowledged that whilst this year’s budget includes “several promising initiatives in the education sector, especially in science, technical education, and employment,” these critical areas still require “more focused attention”, a diplomatic acknowledgement of insufficient funding.

Session chairperson DU Treasurer Professor Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that Bangladesh cannot “thrive as a successful and sovereign state” without prioritising “education, research, and innovation” through increased budget allocations.

The discussion, organised by the Centre on Budget and Policy, highlighted the urgent need to escape the debt trap strangling educational progress.

Among the special guests were Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration); Professor Dr. Taiabur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Dr. A.K. Enamul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).

The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. M. Abu Yusuf, Director of the Centre on Budget and Policy.

Professor Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, of the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, and Professor Dr. M. A. Razzaque, Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), participated in the discussion.

Dr. Naeema Sultana, Chairperson of the Department of Development Studies, delivered the welcome address.