Dhaka: As the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is set to be placed amid rising global uncertainty, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Director General (DG) Dr A K Enamul Haque has stressed that the country’s top economic priority should be the systematic implementation of the government’s election commitments while simultaneously preparing for emerging global risks.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in an exclusive interview with BSS ahead of the upcoming national budget to be placed in Jatiya Sangsad next month, Dr Enamul Haque said, “One major issue is implementing the government’s election manifesto. The commitments made to the people for the next five years should begin to be implemented systematically.” He warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could trigger a fresh global food crisis and place additional pressure on Bangladesh’s economy through rising commodity prices and supply disruptions.
Dr Enamul emphasized that the budget should allocate sufficient resources for government-led food procurement and imports to maintain adequate domestic supply and stabilize prices. He argued that relying only on cash assistance would not be enough in the current situation because shortages in food supply could continue pushing prices upward. The noted economist also urged the government to prepare contingency plans for Bangladeshi migrant workers who may return from Gulf countries, especially from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), if regional instability deepens.
Highlighting climate-related vulnerabilities, Dr Enamul said Bangladesh must increase support for rural populations affected by heatwaves, flash floods, and crop losses, especially in haor regions. He proposed expanding support for duck farming, cattle rearing, and livestock-based activities in flood-prone areas to create alternative sources of income for farmers. While supporting temporary cash assistance for disaster-hit populations, he cautioned that excessive dependence on cash transfers without increasing food supply could intensify inflation.
The BIDS DG also stressed the importance of expanding the government’s Open Market Sales (OMS) programme and improving food assistance for vulnerable groups. Referring to growing food insecurity risks, he cited international warnings that several countries could face famine-like conditions if the global situation deteriorates further. Dr Enamul further suggested that the government expand the use of farmer cards and family cards to streamline social protection programmes and agricultural support.
On external trade strategy, Dr Enamul stressed that Bangladesh should strengthen economic integration with Asian economies as geopolitical tensions continue affecting Europe and Middle Eastern trade routes. He added that the FY27 budget should focus more on building long-term economic foundations rather than launching excessively ambitious projects, aiming to maintain economic growth momentum and prepare the foundation for the next five years.