Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today spoke as the chief guest at the Deans' Award 2026 giving ceremony held at the central auditorium of Jagannath University. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today called upon all concerned to ensure optimum use of the budgetary allocation in education sector as the government has put the highest priority to this sector. 

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the Deans' Award 2026 giving ceremony held at the central auditorium of Jagannath University.

The minister said as part of the commitment, the proposed budget has allocated 2 percent of GDP to education this year. 

Milon said the country's greatest asset is its human resources, which are developed by teachers, he said adding that building a skilled workforce is essential for the nation's socio-economic development. 

Therefore, he said, the government is placing special emphasis on the technical and vocational education and training sector.

Mentioning that the government wants to make education more enjoyable, the minister said, "We want to move Bangladesh toward joyful learning. To achieve this, the concept of 'Learn with Happiness' is being incorporated into textbooks, syllabi and curricula."

The minister said former prime minister late Begum Khaleda Zia took the initiative to transform the then Jagannath College into a full-fledged university. 

He recalled that when he served as state minister for education, numerous meetings were held regarding this institution. 

"We worked on determining policies and organizing the institution. Eventually, under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, it was transformed into a complete university," he mentioned.

Milon said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman served as head of the Education Ministry for sixteen days. According to him, Ziaur Rahman's love for education and leadership qualities were exceptional and his vision for the education sector reached a level that has not yet been fully achieved, he mentioned.

He said Begum Khaleda Zia gave the highest importance to education. To expand educational opportunities, she introduced the "Education for Food" programme at the primary level and later launched an "Education for Cash" initiative, he said. 

The minister said Khaleda Zia also introduced stipends for female students and extended them up to the higher secondary level.

Milon said her son Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently announced that stipends for girls will indeed be provided up to the degree level.

Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Rais Uddin chaired the event while Prof Dr. Parimal Bala, Convener of the Deans' Award Committee delivered the welcome address.

Member of Parliament for Dhaka-7 Hamidur Rahman Hamid and Secondary and Higher Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque were present, among others.