BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said if his party is voted to power, it will prioritise education by giving the sector the highest budget allocation to enhance its quality and develop skilled, ethical human resources.

"We have a plan, as we did before. During the tenure of Khaleda Zia, education used to get the highest allocation in the national budget. Inshallah, if BNP gets the responsibility of running the country again, we will ensure the highest allocation for education," he said.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing the Khandaker Shamsul Alam Foundation's Merit Scholarship Examination and Results and Prize-Giving Ceremony held at Pakundia Government High School field in Kishoreganj.

Tarique said the party's plans include repairing and improving dilapidated primary schools so that students can study in a better environment.

"We also want to ensure that teachers can focus fully on teaching. At the same time, we will provide social and economic support to teachers so that they do not have to think about doing other jobs and can devote their full attention to educating children," he said.

Tarique said lessons on rejecting and protesting against corruption must be included at the primary level of education. "Through primary teachers, such values should be instilled in students so they understand from an early age that corruption is an evil practice."

He advised students that there is no shortcut to success in life and warned them not to waste time on electronic gadgets and social media.

The BNP leader said his party has a plan to identify and nurture talents in all fields -- academics, recitation, mathematics, and sports -- and help them grow.

The BNP leader expressed hope that upon returning to Bangladesh from London, he would sit face-to-face with the youth to discuss how to rebuild and advance the country together.