The development of a nation is not solely determined by infrastructure or economic growth statistics. It is shaped by the depth of its citizens’ knowledge, the excellence of its research, and the breadth of its creative endeavors. No matter how high economic growth may be, if it is not rooted in knowledge, sustaining it becomes extremely challenging. Bangladesh is a developing nation. While its development journey is progressing rapidly, to make this progress sustainable, the state must prioritize education and research above all else. These two sectors together are the most effective tools for shaping a nation’s future.Education is the backbone of a nation. However, if that backbone is weak, overall progress stumbles. A review of Bangladesh’s education system reveals that a significant portion of the population still lacks access to literacy. Rural areas have schools, but they often lack sufficient teachers or educational materials. Even in urban areas, the quality of education is not up to the desired standard. Issues such as overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of skilled teachers, and the absence of a modern curriculum are evident. This situation is concerning for the country’s future.Research is the best way to develop a nation’s intellectual capital. Yet, the budget allocation for research in Bangladesh is minimal, far below the requirements of international standards. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the education sector was allocated 25,000 crore taka, which is only 2% of the national budget. For research, a mere 500 crore taka was allocated, less than 0.5% of GDP. According to UNESCO, developing countries should spend 4-6% of GDP on education and 1-2% on research. By this measure, Bangladesh’s situation is disappointing.In such a reality, if the 2025-26 fiscal year budget is not centered on education and research, it would be a cruel betrayal of the future. Formulating a budget focused on education and research is a hallmark of a progressive state’s highest political foresight. Education fosters critical thinking, while research provides solutions to the challenges that arise from that thinking. Together, they create a knowledge-based economy that ensures not only growth but also sustainable development. The greatest contribution in this regard can come from Bangladesh’s youth.With 65% of Bangladesh’s population being of working age, harnessing their potential could transform the country into a developed nation. However, to make this vast human resource skilled, a modern curriculum, digital education systems, technology-driven research facilities, and opportunities for advanced research are essential. If the youth are confined to rote-based learning, they will not be able to compete in the global market.In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the 21st century, advancing education and research is no longer a luxury, it has become a condition for a state’s survival. The world is progressing daily in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, genetics, big data, and cybersecurity, while Bangladesh lags behind in basic research. Investment in education and research is not merely an expense; it is an investment in a nation’s intellectual capital. It eradicates poverty, creates employment, promotes equality in society, and establishes a nation’s dignity. In a society where education is strong, there is no place for corruption, extremism, or superstition.The 2025-26 fiscal year budget could mark a turning point in Bangladesh’s history of education and research-driven development. Allocating at least 5% of GDP to education and 1% to research is urgently needed. This allocation must be utilized strategically, transparently, and within a cohesive framework. Funds should be designated for building schools in rural areas, recruiting sufficient teachers, providing training, and improving textbooks. Additionally, allocations for research laboratories, modern equipment, research funds, and international collaborations in higher education institutions must be increased. Allocating 10,000 crore taka for smart education infrastructure and 2,000 crore taka for expanding vocational training and technical education could be a long-term, forward-thinking decision to reshape the education and research sectors. Furthermore, reserving funds for the professional development of teachers is crucial. Regular training in modern teaching methods, technology use, and psychology-based classroom management should be arranged. Similarly, establishing centralized funds for researchers and research institutions, incorporating research outcomes into government decision-making, and supporting publication in international journals are necessary steps.However, implementing any strategy will face challenges. Revenue shortages, inefficiency, irregularities, and corruption could pose obstacles. To address these, tax system reforms, preventing tax evasion, repatriating laundered money, and strengthening budget audits are essential. Establishing an independent audit committee and a digital system to ensure transparency in the use of education and research budgets will reduce wastage and ensure funds are invested in the right areas.Most importantly, no nation can build its future without long-term planning. Investment in education and research forms the foundation of such planning. This investment may not yield immediate political gains, but a decade later, the society and economy that emerge will stand on a solid foundation. The national budget is not just a record of income and expenditure; it is a blueprint for a nation’s future. If this blueprint is designed with education and research at its core, it will be a resolve to lead a nation toward a brighter path. This is not merely a financial allocation but a commitment to building an advanced, self-reliant, knowledge-based, and civilized nation. It will transform Bangladesh into a prosperous, knowledge-driven nation, propelling it from a developing country toward a sustainably developed one.