DHAKA: The European Union (EU) has approved 50 million euros to the primary education sector of Bangladesh.

This funding under the 2015 budget makes the EU the second largest grant provider for the Third Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP 3), according to EU delegation to Bangladesh.

The primary education sector remains a priority for EU cooperation in Bangladesh, they added.

The EU also committed to support the reform initiatives and implementation of the National Education Policy (2010) through its partnership with Bangladesh government and the civil society.

"Education is one of the strong pillars for development and primary education lays the foundation of it," said EU ambassador Pierre Mayaudon on the occasion.

"Bangladesh has in recent years made some impressive achievements in terms of access to education. However, more concerted effort of all the partners is required to implement the National Education Policy and ensuring high quality basic education for all, leaving no single child behind," he added.

The EU highlighted the scope for further improvements while it expresses its appreciation for the work undertaken so far by the different stakeholders, it also said.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) forms a conducive framework for future interventions in education sector, it added.

The EU also underlines its intention to continue and expand the collaboration with Bangladesh government through the Budget Support instrument that allows using the country system in the education sector and beyond.

BDST: 1958 HRS, NOV 12, 2015
RS/RR