Former Bangladesh Bank governor and economist Ahsan H. Mansur described the new government’s budget as ambitious, emphasizing that its implementation will be a major challenge. In an immediate reaction shared on Thursday, he noted that weak revenue performance and heavy reliance on borrowing, particularly from the banking sector, could strain the economy. He added that private sector growth has fallen below five percent, while foreign loan targets may be difficult to achieve in the absence of an active IMF program.

Mansur expressed concern that the budget lacks a clear plan to address ongoing instability in the banking sector, warning that this could affect both the budget and the broader economy. He highlighted the situation at Islami Bank, where recent leadership changes and resignations appear politically influenced, potentially undermining confidence and triggering deposit withdrawals. He said the government must manage the situation peacefully to avoid long-term damage.

Mansur also noted that Islami Bank serves around three crore customers, indirectly involving up to 10–12 crore people, and argued that political interference in such a large institution is unjustified.