The Finance and Planning Minister, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, announced that the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 will focus on promoting economic inclusion by integrating marginalized groups into the mainstream economy. Addressing a pre-budget discussion hosted by the Economic Reporters’ Forum, he emphasized the government’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for low-income households, farmers, artisans, cultural workers, and women to engage in and benefit from economic development.
Describing the budget as a step towards “democratizing the economy,” the minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of growth are accessible to a wider segment of society rather than being concentrated among a select few. He particularly underscored the support for women, especially homemakers, whose economic contributions have often been unrecognized within formal structures.
The budget will also prioritize enhancing livelihoods for farmers, artisans, and cultural workers, while expanding economic participation for lower-income families. To reduce healthcare expenses, a Universal Primary Healthcare project will be rolled out nationwide through a collaboration between NGOs and the private sector. Additionally, initiatives such as the Family Card and Farmers Card programs will involve private entities and NGOs to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Recognizing past challenges in budget implementation, the minister acknowledged the need for improved monitoring. The government plans to introduce digital dashboards to track development projects in real-time, enabling authorities to identify delays and responsible officials promptly.
Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), highlighted revenue mobilization as a key challenge for the upcoming budget. She stressed the necessity of deep institutional reforms in revenue administration to meet tax collection targets effectively. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth, she called for increased investment in education, healthcare, and social protection.
Azam J Chowdhury, chairman of East Coast Group, raised concerns regarding reforms in various sectors, including workers’ welfare, taxation policies, and administrative procedures. He advocated for a predictable tax regime and policy continuity to encourage private investment and urged for streamlined approval processes to facilitate business operations.
Shawkat Aziz Russel, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), emphasized the importance of supporting existing factories in upgrading machinery to enhance productivity and efficiency. He suggested that modern equipment could significantly improve output and reduce resource consumption, underscoring the urgency for prompt decision-making to maintain competitiveness in the sector.
The event, chaired by Doulat Akhtar Mala, president of ERF, and moderated by Abul Kashem Khan, general secretary of ERF, brought together industry experts to discuss key issues and recommendations for the upcoming budget.
