The national budget of Bangladesh for the fiscal year 2025–26 was revealed by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. It highlights a strategic plan to address the country’s economic difficulties while aiming for sustainable development. The suggested budget amounts to Tk 7.90 trillion, which is a slight decrease from the original budget of Tk 7.97 trillion for the last fiscal year, showing a careful approach in response to global economic uncertainties. A significant focus of the budget is on enhancing revenue collection, with a target of Tk 5.64 trillion, marking an 8.88% increase over the revised target of the current fiscal year. This ambitious goal underscores the government’s intent to bolster domestic resources and reduce dependency on external financing. To achieve this, the interim government has initiated structural reforms within the National Board of Revenue (NBR), dissolving it and establishing two new divisions: the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division. The purpose of these modifications is to make tax administration more efficient and easier to manage. However, the restructuring has faced resistance from NBR officials, leading to protests and strikes, which the government has addressed through firm measures. The budget also allocates Tk 2.30 trillion for the Annual Development Programme (ADP), with Tk 1.44 trillion sourced from domestic funds and the remaining Tk 860 billion from foreign loans and grants. This investment is directed towards infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity, to stimulate economic activity and job creation. Despite these efforts, the budget has drawn criticism from various sectors. Business leaders express concerns over the lack of clear strategies to enhance the investment climate, improve industrial competitiveness, and address the banking sector’s challenges. Additionally, rights activists have raised alarms about the reduction in the gender-responsive budget, fearing setbacks in women’s empowerment initiatives. The proposed budget also introduces specific measures targeting consumer goods, such as cosmetics and confectioneries, aiming to curb undervalued imports and protect domestic industries. While these actions are seen as protective, they have sparked debates about their potential impact on trade relations and consumer choices. In summary, the FY2025–26 budget reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to fiscal discipline and development, yet it faces the dual challenge of implementing reforms and addressing sectoral concerns. The government’s ability to balance these objectives will be crucial in determining the budget’s success in fostering a resilient and inclusive economy.
