For the first time ever in, students of Ebtedayee madrasahs (primary-level religious schools in Bangladesh) will receive government scholarships. This announcement came during the 2025-26 budget speech by Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on June 2, 2025.
Until now, only students from government primary schools received scholarships and stipends. Ebtedayee students were left out of this support. But this year’s budget aims to change that.
Tk 728 Crore for Ebtedayee & MPO in Budget 2025-26
During the budget speech on June 2, Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed shared this big update. He said the government has proposed Tk 728 crore to support two important areas:
- Scholarships for Ebtedayee-level students
- MPO (Monthly Pay Order) inclusion for new madrasahs
This is the first time any government has taken such a step to support Ebtedayee learners with financial aid. Experts believe it will help reduce dropout rates and increase interest in madrasa education, especially among low-income families.
MPO Expansion for More Madrasahs
Along with scholarships, the government will also expand the MPO system, which provides salaries to teachers and staff of recognized madrasahs.
This means more madrasahs will now receive monthly government funding, helping improve the standard of education and giving teachers job security.
Along with scholarships and MPO, the government is also working to improve madrasah buildings and facilities. Dr. Salehuddin shared the following updates:
- 1,135 new madrasah buildings have already been built
- Work is going on for 513 multi-storey buildings
- 493 madrasahs now have multimedia classrooms
These steps will help students learn in a modern and comfortable environment.
This budget shows that the government is now focusing more on equal education for all. Religious students, especially at the primary level, will finally get the support they deserve.
Now, with this new budget:
- Ebtedayee students will get scholarships.
- More madrasahs will be MPO-listed.
- Infrastructure is being upgraded.
If implemented properly, this plan could change the future of religious education in Bangladesh and bring more students into the formal education system.
