BGMEA Leader Mahmud Hasan says
Private sector warns of rising job losses, shrinking investment, policy inaction amid deepening economic strain
The budget contains a number of isolated measures but lacks a cohesive strategy and comprehensive reform agenda to stimulate trade and investment, says Masrur Reaz
A TIN certificate will now be enough, the economic adviser announced in the FY2025–26 budget.
The development projects included in the new budget are largely carryovers from the previous government, he says
The July mass uprising took place to address the unemployment issue, but it has been ignored in the proposed budget, he says
Fouzul Kabir says proposed budget aims for disciplined governance and rational energy pricing.
This provision goes against the very spirit of July, CPD reiterates
Business leaders decry rising reliance on banks in national budget
Prof Abu Ahmed,Chairman, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh
AB Mirza Azizul Islam,Economist; former adviser to a caretaker government
Dr Zahid Hussain,Former lead economist, World Bank
Total size of the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 is Tk7.90 lakh crore
'What is lacking is a comprehensive, structural transformation,' says Dr Fahmida Khatun
Cautious optimism over growth targets, but concerns raised over inflation, tax pressure, and lack of structural overhaul
Investment promotion agencies have not yet been successful in creating confidence among investors, it says.
It reflects a stance completely contrary to the objectives of the state reform process, it says
In the outgoing fiscal year, Awami government had allocated over Tk42,314 crore, but the figure was revised down to over Tk39,415 crore
In the outgoing fiscal year ending this month, budget allocation was Tk38,259 crore for the three ministries focused on agriculture sector.
Earlier, the ousted government, in its revised budget for FY2024-25, allocated Tk1,140 core, while it has been brought down to Tk855 crore in the proposed budget for FY26
10% supplementary duty has been imposed on OTT services
The budget proposes reducing import duties and taxes on medical equipment and devices
The proposed budget 2025-26 is a case of austerity without accountability and policies imposed without a public mandate.
The proposed budget places special emphasis on education, healthcare, good governance, civic services and employment generation, he says.
Given the significance of primary and mass education, the adviser has proposed an allocation of Tk35,403 crore for the sector in FY26.
For FY27 and FY28, there will be no tax for income up to Tk3.75 lakh.
Currently, deposits exceeding Tk1 lakh are subject to a Tk150 duty on amounts up to Tk5 lakh.
The main structure of the proposed national budget remains unchanged, while its figures and allocations have been revised, he says
ICT sector gets Tk17.32 billion
To finance the deficit, the government plans to mobilise Tk1.25 lakh crore from domestic sources
Free healthcare, immunisation, and caregiver training are among the key priorities in the proposed allocation.
To ease the financial burden of subsidies in the power sector, Salehuddin said steps are being taken to reduce overall electricity generation costs by 10%.
The target is slightly higher than the revised 5.25% GDP growth for the outgoing fiscal year 2024-25.
The upcoming budget is expected to propose reductions in source tax, import duties, and VAT on several products.
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed began presenting the budget at 3 pm on Monday.
The focus will be on maintaining macroeconomic stability
Finance Adviser is scheduled to go on air at 3:00pm to deliver the first budget of interim government
With no parliamentary fanfare, the interim government should present a cautious budget in a time of political flux – one that must do more than balance books; it must rebuild trust
Tk7.9 trillion budget to prioritise revenue growth over tax rate cuts, black money legalisation allowed via real estate
