DHAKA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - The government has unveiled a plan to transform Bangladesh's long-standing "brain drain" challenge into "brain circulation" by connecting highly educated expatriate Bangladeshis with the country's education and research sectors, according to FY27 budget document.

The initiative, one of the key education and human capital development priorities outlined in the national budget, seeks to harness the expertise, skills and international experience of Bangladeshi professionals and academics living abroad to strengthen domestic universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystems.

Under the proposed framework, the government will introduce internationally recognised credit transfer systems, student exchange programmes, summer schools, visiting scholar schemes and joint research initiatives. 

The measures are intended to provide Bangladeshi students with direct access to world-class education, research opportunities and professional networks without leaving the country.

"We are working to transform 'brain drain' into 'brain circulation'," Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while placing a historic Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for FY 2026-27 in Parliament on Thursday.

He emphasized the government's intention to create stronger links between the Bangladeshi diaspora and local academic institutions.

The budget also underscored a renewed commitment to research and innovation, with the government pledging greater support for domestic research activities aimed at addressing Bangladesh's socioeconomic challenges through practical and sustainable solutions.

Alongside internationalisation efforts, the government plans to harmonise the country's diverse education streams and strengthen the implementation of qualification equivalency standards. 

Improving educational quality across all levels - from primary and mass education to madrasah, technical, secondary and higher education - has been identified as a national priority.

The minister said the government aims to develop students into globally competent citizens equipped with knowledge of human rights, democratic values, religious and cultural tolerance, environmental stewardship and international cooperation.

Special emphasis has also been placed on modernising madrasah education. The government plans to strengthen science, mathematics, English language and information technology instruction alongside religious studies, while introducing employment-oriented training programmes to improve graduates' competitiveness in higher education and the job market. 

Expanding access to digital learning tools and modern educational materials will also be prioritised.

Recognising teachers as the cornerstone of educational reform, the government announced plans for regular teacher training and retraining programmes, enhanced professional development opportunities and improved welfare measures. Additional incentives will be provided to teachers serving in rural and remote areas.

Framing youth development as central to Bangladesh's future, Chowdhury said today's children and young people would become the driving force behind the country's next phase of growth. He stressed the state's responsibility to create an environment where talent can flourish and opportunities are not limited by circumstance.

Invoking the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the minister said the government seeks to build a generation capable not only of shaping its own future but also creating jobs, driving innovation and leading social change.

"The generation we aspire to build will not wait for opportunity; it will create opportunity," he said, outlining a vision of youth-led economic transformation and national progress.

The Finance minister proposed to increase the allocation for the education sector to 2 percent of GDP in the upcoming fiscal year, with a total allocation of Tk 1 lakh 36 thousand and 606 crore. 

In the fiscal year 2025-26, the allocation for the education sector was Tk 87 thousand and 206 crore, equivalent to 1.39 percent of GDP.