Dhaka: Senior policymakers, economists, and government officials today expressed strong optimism that Bangladesh is entering a new phase of economic stabilization and reform-driven growth, emphasizing that ongoing fiscal, administrative, and governance reforms will lay the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and investment-friendly economy. Speaking at an event in the capital, they highlighted improvements in revenue mobilization, inflation management, political stability, and institutional reforms, while underscoring the need to sustain momentum ahead of the country's LDC graduation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission, in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh, organized the Dissemination Seminar on publications titled 'Bangladesh State of The Economy 2025' and 'Sustainable Development Goals Bangladesh Progress Report 2025' at the NEC Conference Room in the capital. Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, spoke as the Chief Guest. Other notable speakers included Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator (SDG), Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary of Finance Division, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR), and SM Shakil Akhter, Secretary of the Planning Division.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan emphasized the need for bold fiscal reforms, particularly in VAT and income-tax administration, to maintain macroeconomic stability and address future development challenges. Despite a significant increase in revenue collection from Tk 168 crore in 1972 to Tk 3.78 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, the tax-to-GDP ratio remains around 7 percent, necessitating urgent structural correction. Rahman highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen the VAT system's uniformity and announced that revenue grew by more than 20 percent in the first quarter of FY26, driven by stronger income-tax receipts and mandatory e-filing.
Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder reported that the government's contractionary fiscal stance has successfully curbed inflation and stabilized macroeconomic conditions. He noted a marked decline in inflation, with food inflation falling below 7 percent, though non-food inflation remains a concern. The budget deficit has been contained at 3.6 percent, reflecting strong fiscal consolidation, which, while temporarily moderating growth, is expected to regain momentum with a shift towards expansionary policies.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam highlighted efforts to modernize Chattogram Port, reform economic institutions, and improve administrative efficiency, which are expected to boost competitiveness. Alam stressed the importance of aligning business associations with national reform priorities and noted improvements in macroeconomic stability.
Professor Mahbubullah from Dhaka University called for strengthening governance, rebalancing societal power structures, and transitioning to a production-based economy. He advocated long-term reforms to stimulate investment and ensure sustainable growth, focusing on building incentives for new investment across various sectors.
Meanwhile, Dr. Zahid Hussain, former Lead Economist of the World Bank, noted improvements in remittance inflows and revenue mobilization. Emphasizing political stability and reform momentum, he stated that political stamina is crucial for translating decisions into visible outcomes.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman stressed the urgency of strengthening revenue mobilization and governance to avoid future debt vulnerabilities. He highlighted the importance of transitioning toward a skill-based competitiveness model and noted rising investor confidence.
The speakers unanimously agreed that Bangladesh has entered a critical yet promising phase of reform and institutional strengthening, with sustained commitment essential for accelerating growth, ensuring inclusion, and meeting long-term development aspirations.