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Published : 27 Apr 2026, 03:11 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that girls’ education up to degree level will be made free under a new government initiative.
Addressing a public gathering in Jashore’s Sharsha on Monday following the inauguration of the Ulshi canal re-excavation project, he noted that women constitute half of the nation's 200 million-strong population.
Tarique recalled that former prime minister Khaleda Zia had introduced free education for girls up to intermediate level, first at school and later at higher secondary stage.
He said the government now plans to extend that programme further by ensuring free education for women up to degree level.
The premier also said stipends will be introduced for female students who achieve strong academic results to help them continue higher studies.
Although the announcement covers free education up to degree level, the BNP’s election pledge included free education for girls up to postgraduate level and for boys up to undergraduate level, along with expanded stipends for both.
LPG Card for Women
The prime minister also announced the introduction of an LPG Card aimed at easing domestic responsibilities for women.
He said a Family Card programme, already being implemented for women-headed households, provides Tk 2,500 per month to support family needs and small income-generating activities such as poultry and livestock rearing.
He added that the new LPG Card system will be rolled out across the country to ensure easier access to cooking gas for women in both rural and urban areas.
According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the burden of cooking fuel shortages faced by women, noting that the government aims to deliver LPG support in the same way Family Cards are distributed nationwide.
Warning Against Political Instability
During the rally, the prime minister cautioned citizens against political opponents, specifically hinting at the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance.
He alleged that certain groups are attempting to misinterpret the July Charter for political gain and warned that such disorder could derail development projects.
Tarique cited historical instances of unrest, including 173 days of strikes in the past, which he claimed damaged the economy.
Canal Re-Excavation Launched
The prime minister also inaugurated the re-excavation of the Ulshi canal in Jashore, originally dug about five decades ago by Ziaur Rahman.
At around 12pm, he began the work by cutting soil with a spade and later joined a public gathering on the canal bank.
He said the canal had become blocked, filled and encroached over time, depriving farmers and local communities of water access.
The government expects the project to benefit 20,000 farmers and 72,000 local residents by providing water for irrigation, which is projected to increase food grain production by 1,400 tonnes.
Tarique also announced plans to plant 3,000 trees along the canal banks and noted that the restored water flow would allow local women to increase their income through duck farming.
