Barishal: Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has announced a proposed budget of Taka 647.53 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year without introducing any new taxes. The budget prioritizes urban development, waterlogging mitigation, safe water supply, modern waste management, environmental protection, women and child welfare, and digital public services.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the budget announcement ceremony was held at the city corporation headquarters on Thursday, where BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin stated that the budget had been prepared without increasing taxes despite limited revenue resources. "Our goal is to build a planned, green, clean, and smart metropolitan city that is friendly to women and children for future generations," she said.
The original budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year stood at Tk 520.86 crore, while the revised budget was reduced to Tk 462.86 crore. The proposed budget places strong emphasis on resolving the city's long-standing waterlogging problem. A Tk 769.40 crore project has been submitted to the ministry for the re-excavation and protection of several canals, which officials expect to provide a permanent solution if approved.
Additionally, the budget highlights a proposed Tk 533 crore project to construct a protective embankment along the western bank of the Kirtankhola River to safeguard the city. The Rupatali Surface Water Treatment Plant has become operational, and the Beltala Treatment Plant is nearing completion. A development proposal has been prepared for a new Kirtankhola Surface Water Treatment Plant to meet future water demand.
The city corporation continues to expand its water supply network through new pipelines, with 1,064 new water connections approved in the previous fiscal year. An agreement has been signed with a South Korean company to introduce modern waste management technologies and generate electricity from waste, as the city currently collects approximately 200 tonnes of waste daily.
The budget includes initiatives for women's welfare, such as building modern public toilets, establishing a dedicated market for women entrepreneurs, providing legal assistance to underprivileged women, and constructing a hostel for working women. For children, funds have been allocated for park renovations, new rides, sports equipment, and sports competitions.
As part of its climate resilience strategy, BCC plans to plant 50,000 trees in the coming fiscal year. Other beautification projects include new fountains, park upgrades, decorative lighting, and the construction of a sculpture titled "Sobar Age Bangladesh". The city corporation also plans to digitize several civic services to improve efficiency and reduce public inconvenience.
Since assuming office, the administration has completed significant infrastructure work, including roads and drains. A separate Tk 24.76 crore lighting project has been submitted for government approval, which, if sanctioned, will see the installation of over 16,000 electric poles and 20,000 streetlights citywide.
During the previous fiscal year, extensive vaccination campaigns were conducted, and from the next fiscal year, BCC plans to offer free medical treatment and medicines for women and children through health centers in the city's three administrative zones.
Funds are also allocated for the renovation of the Barishal Press Club and the Barishal Reporters Unity buildings. Concluding her budget speech, Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin emphasized the efficient use of limited resources, prevention of corruption, and elimination of wasteful expenditure to improve public services. She called on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a modern, clean, green, and smart Barishal without increasing the tax burden on citizens.