Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced today that the government's primary focus is on maintaining fiscal discipline while continuing essential development activities. 'Our priority is to implement the budget in a way that ensures efficiency and value for money. Even if we have to readjust some figures, the fundamental objectives of the budget will remain unchanged,' he stated. Dr. Salehuddin made these remarks in response to reporters' questions after chairing two separate meetings of the Advisers Council Committees on Economic Affairs and Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Finance Adviser hinted that the government would continue to review both revenue and expenditure aspects as the fiscal year progresses. 'We will see at the end of the period how much adjustment is necessary in the ADP and where savings can be made without affecting critical sectors,' he noted. Dr. Salehuddin emphasized the government's commitment to sustaining public investment in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and social protection, while prudently addressing emerging fiscal pressures.
He also indicated that the government is considering downsizing the national budget and the Annual Development Programme (ADP) due to various fiscal and administrative challenges encountered during implementation. The initial budget projections were made on a 'realistic and pragmatic' basis, given the circumstances at the time, he said. However, as implementation began, several new challenges emerged, particularly in resource mobilization, project execution, and the overall macroeconomic environment.
Dr. Salehuddin highlighted that disruptions in revenue collection activities, especially at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), have slightly impacted the government's fiscal position. 'The temporary halt in certain NBR operations has affected revenue inflow, which is one of the major reasons we are reassessing our spending plan,' he explained. He added that, apart from revenue challenges, the implementation performance of various ministries and agencies has been uneven.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Salehuddin reassured that the adjustments would not be drastic. 'We are not planning any major or sweeping cuts. The overall size of the budget and ADP will likely see minor modifications, but not a fundamental departure from what was approved earlier,' he said. He further mentioned that two major macroeconomic parameters-growth and inflation-have already been revised to reflect the evolving situation.