Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will make education free for female students up to the honours level, expanding on the educational legacy of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Speaking at the ‘Primary Education Award-2026’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Wednesday, the Prime Minister outlined several major educational initiatives. Beyond free higher education, girls achieving excellent results will receive scholarships, similar to the existing primary-level stipends. Furthermore, all students from grades one to five will receive free school uniforms in phases, and a new midday meal program is being developed to ensure better childhood nutrition.
Addressing educators nationwide, Rahman emphasized the importance of character-building alongside academics. “You are the masters of raising children. Care should be taken that no child grows up to be cruel,” he stated, urging teachers to raise compassionate citizens to build a "humane Bangladesh."
The event, organized by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, featured speeches from Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon and State Minister Bobby Hajjaj. During the ceremony, medals were awarded to outstanding students, teachers, and educational institutions.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the ‘Green School’ program by planting a tree. Addressing the children, he encouraged them to plant a tree every rainy season and take responsibility for keeping their school campuses clean.
