Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed is poised to present Bangladesh’s 54th national budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 tomorrow. This significant event marks the first budget under the interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, as well as Dr Ahmed’s inaugural budget presentation in his current role.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the upcoming budget will be a pivotal moment for Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, who is also the Adviser to the Ministry of Science and Technology. His experience as the Adviser to the Ministry of Commerce will likely influence his approach to the fiscal planning of the nation. This budget presentation continues a long history that began with Tajuddin Ahmed, who delivered the first budget in 1972 for the post-independence government.
The historical context of Bangladesh’s budget presentations is notable, with figures like M Saifur Rahman and AMA Muhith having each presented twelve budgets, the highest number in the nation’s history. The evolution of the budget over the years reflects changes in economic priorities and development goals. For example, the first budget in 1972 amounted to Tk 786 crore, while the most recent 2024-2025 budget, presented by AH Mahmood Ali, reached Tk 7,97,000 crore.
This year’s budget announcement is anticipated with interest, as it will set the fiscal direction for the interim government. It will be intriguing to see how Dr Ahmed balances economic growth with sustainable development goals, especially in the context of his dual advisory roles.