Education Budget in Bangladesh: an analysis of trends, gaps and priorities

Abstract

The present study has made an attempt to analyse the current trends in education finance in Bangladesh, and examine and assess whether the level of finance is adequate to fulfil the national commitments to ensure quality education for all. With a view to assess the trends in national budget for education in Bangladesh, the study has followed a derived analytical framework. The budgetary allocation for education in Bangladesh has been examined from a number of angles: in terms of adequacy of resources from the perspective of allocation of finance and sources of financing; distribution of resources focusing on quality and equity in distribution; utilisation of resources from the point of view of efficiency and governance of resources allocated for education. In this connection, the study has made use of both primary and secondary data and information. Relevant national and international literature, including contributions of both CAMPE and CPD on relevant issues, have complemented the analysis undertaken for the study. CAMPE had organised public hearings on education budget, in partnership with Channel i, in six divisions of the country which were participated by about thirty three thousand people. Proceedings of these meetings and their recommendations have also informed this study.