Dhaka: The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is aiming to transform Bangladesh into a welfare-oriented state by enhancing the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has articulated this vision ahead of the national budget announcement for the fiscal year 2026.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed explained that the forthcoming budget would reflect the government’s commitment to welfare beyond mere economic growth. The budget will be presented via a televised speech, formalized through a presidential ordinance, given the absence of the Jatiya Sangsad. Government officials indicate that the national budget for FY26 is expected to be Taka 7,90,000 crore, slightly smaller than the current fiscal year’s budget.
The televised budget presentation marks a significant moment, being the first of its kind since the fiscal year 2007-08 when Adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam delivered budgets through national broadcasts. Dr. Salehuddin emphasized that the budget primarily targets the common people, aiming to foster economic growth, trade expansion, and employment generation, including self-employment opportunities.
He assured that education, health, and social safety nets would remain robust, with efforts to ensure development benefits reach the common populace, albeit unequally. Reflecting on the nation’s post-uprising economic condition, Dr. Salehuddin noted significant recovery and stabilization despite ongoing challenges like the US tariff issue and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Domestically, the finance adviser acknowledged initial stagnation in trade and commerce post-uprising, which later improved due to prudent measures. The interim government plans to continue this positive momentum. Regarding the unconventional budget presentation, Dr. Salehuddin mentioned that an outline has been shared, with figures subject to change until the announcement.
The budget deliberation process will allow for feedback and suggestions, with final approval expected later in June. Dr. Salehuddin highlighted the practical nature of the budget, focusing on resource constraints while aiming to simplify and enhance the livelihood of citizens. Social safety nets, education, and health will receive particular emphasis in the budget.