Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud stated that the country has not experienced any fuel shortage despite global conflicts and disruptions in energy supply. Speaking at a post-budget press conference on June 12 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said that while other countries faced severe shortages, Bangladesh’s fuel supply remained stable.

The minister explained that the government is working to ensure long-term energy security by revitalizing the state-owned exploration company Bapex, intensifying gas exploration onshore and offshore, and targeting 5,000 megawatts of solar power generation by 2030. He noted that although Bangladesh gained maritime boundaries years ago, effective exploration had not been undertaken until recently. The government now plans to procure five new rigs for Bapex and expand exploration activities.

Mahmud added that due to global instability and disruptions around the Hormuz Strait, some energy contracts with Qatar and Saudi Arabia faced force majeure conditions, prompting Bangladesh to source fuel from alternative suppliers. He said about USD 2.5 billion worth of oil has been purchased to maintain stable supply.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced a Tk 800 crore ‘Creative Economy’ project aimed at transforming culture into an economic asset. Speaking at a post-budget press conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on June 12, he said the initiative seeks to link tourism with theatre, music, film, and visual arts to create new sources of economic growth.

The minister explained that expanding domestic tourism could accelerate local economic development, employment, and the entertainment sector. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing the development of Bangladesh’s soft power through cinema, music, and theatre. A special creative hub outside Dhaka is planned under the project, marking the first initiative of its kind in the country.

Chowdhury added that cultural and traditional sectors must be made economically viable to ensure sustainability. The project aims to create opportunities for young artists and creative entrepreneurs, helping Bangladesh strengthen its global image while advancing its tourism and cultural industries.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has stated that the 2026–27 national budget does not include any provision for legalizing undeclared or 'black' money. He made the clarification on Friday afternoon at a post-budget press conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, responding to questions from journalists about public confusion on the issue.

The NBR chairman explained that instead of allowing the legalization of black money, the budget proposes a measure to resolve tax complications through the declaration of actual property transaction values. He noted that in the previous fiscal year, a special rule was introduced for land sellers, as many registered their properties at lower prices than the actual sale value. This often caused difficulties when explaining the source of additional income.

According to Khan, if sellers can provide proof of transactions through banking channels and present sale agreements, they may pay capital gains tax at the regular rate to validate the income legally.

Opposition Whip and National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam stated that the proposed national budget, despite containing some positive and creative measures, cannot bring about the fundamental economic reforms the country needs. He made the remarks on Friday, June 12, 2026, after attending Friday prayers at Dayem Nazir Jame Mosque near Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Alia Madrasa in Chattogram, accompanied by NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari.

Nahid Islam said that while the budget includes tax reductions on some products and increased allocations for social, education, and health sectors, its implementation is unlikely. He criticized the unprecedented rise in commodity and electricity prices across the country. He also announced that on June 13, the 11-party alliance would hold a divisional rally at Laldighi in Chattogram to demand reforms based on referendum results and measures to control price hikes.

Nasiruddin Patwari alleged that Sheikh Hasina had fled to India and accused the government of following a submissive foreign policy, claiming that Muslims identified as Bangladeshis in India were being sent back and suffering near the border.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque issued a statement on June 12, 2026, criticizing the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. He described the Tk 9.38 trillion budget, presented in parliament on June 11, as an overly ambitious project that would make the country economically dependent. Haque argued that the Tk 2.43 trillion deficit would lead the government to excessive borrowing from foreign and domestic sources, harming private investment and endangering public deposits.

He said the budget fails to reflect the real needs of the nation, calling it deficit-driven and detached from public reality. Haque highlighted rising prices, unemployment, and stagnation in agriculture and industry, accusing the government of imposing heavy tax burdens on middle- and low-income groups while favoring the wealthy. He also criticized the allocation disparities, noting low funding for agriculture, technical and madrasa education, and health compared to internal security spending.

Haque urged the government to revise the budget before final approval by increasing allocations for agriculture, education, health, and social security, and to create special funds for families of those killed in national movements, including the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident.

The Bangladesh Tobacco Control Advocates (BTCA) has alleged that the proposed 2026–27 national budget prioritizes the interests of the tobacco industry over public health protection and tobacco use reduction. In a joint press statement released on Friday, BTCA leaders said the decision to bring nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and vaping items under the tax framework effectively legitimizes them, posing new health risks.

According to BTCA, the government’s move conflicts with its commitment to a tobacco-free Bangladesh. The group warned that legitimizing new nicotine products could expose millions of youths to addiction and increase future health costs. It also criticized the nominal two-taka price hike for low-tier cigarettes, which account for about 75 percent of sales, calling it ineffective amid high inflation. BTCA further noted that ignoring expert recommendations for a specific excise tax would deprive the government of revenue while boosting tobacco company profits.

However, BTCA welcomed initiatives such as adding QR codes to cigarette tax stamps, introducing a digital track-and-trace system, and tightening oversight of raw material supply chains, urging the government and NBR to revise the budget with public health as the top priority.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has stated that nearly one-third of the country's banking sector funds have been stolen, pledging that those responsible will not be allowed to remain at ease. Speaking at a post-budget press conference on Friday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said efforts are underway with international organizations to recover the laundered assets.

Rahman described the banking sector’s condition as a major challenge, identifying five Islamic banks as problem institutions. He assured depositors that the overall banking system remains stable and that the issues are confined to those specific banks. The interim government had previously arranged a payment scheme for them, which continues to operate.

On asset recovery, the governor said a Stolen Asset Recovery Taskforce is working persistently, acknowledging that global recovery success rates are below two percent and may take seven to ten years. He confirmed agreements with ten multinational agencies and noted that some assets have already been frozen abroad. Rahman also addressed allegations about his personal loan, clarifying that it was never classified as defaulted and that over Tk 100 crore has been repaid.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has assured depositors of Islami Bank that their funds are safe and accessible, promising that new regulatory tools will be applied within days to stabilize the situation. Speaking at a post-budget press conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Friday, he urged depositors to remain patient and dismissed allegations of illegal central bank interference in the bank’s operations.

Rahman explained that a board member of Islami Bank was replaced in March following misconduct allegations, and a new chairman was appointed after the previous one resigned before Eid. He noted attempts to destabilize the bank since then. The governor expressed concern over the bank’s investment ratio, which rose from about 93 percent in July 2024 to nearly 97.9 percent in March, exceeding the regulatory limit of 92 percent. He confirmed that central bank support would be provided if necessary.

Rahman also highlighted broader banking sector reforms, revealing that special measures will begin within one to two weeks to help depositors recover funds from several troubled non-bank financial institutions.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has expressed optimism that corruption among government employees will decline following the announcement of a new pay scale. The statement came during a post-budget press conference held on Friday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, following the presentation of the 2026–27 fiscal year budget.

The minister explained that when salaries increase, corruption should decrease because improved living standards for government officials and employees reduce the incentive for unethical practices. The government has introduced the new pay structure after 11 years, citing rising inflation and living costs as key reasons for the revision.

According to the budget announcement, the new pay scale will take effect from July 1, aiming to adjust compensation in line with current economic realities and to enhance the financial well-being of public sector workers.

Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire following a record-breaking initial public offering (IPO) by his space technology company, SpaceX. The IPO raised $75 billion through the sale of 555.6 million Class-A shares at $135 each, making it the largest IPO in history. The offering valued SpaceX at approximately $1.77 trillion.

Trading under the symbol “SPCX” on the Nasdaq, SpaceX is expected to become one of the world’s most valuable publicly listed companies. According to IPO documents, Musk will retain about 849.5 million Class-A shares and 55.7 billion Class-B shares, giving him control of 84.4 percent of the company’s total voting power. Based on the IPO price, Musk’s declared SpaceX holdings are valued at roughly $866.5 billion.

The listing marks a major milestone for both SpaceX and Musk, solidifying his position as the wealthiest individual globally and setting a new benchmark for corporate valuations in the space technology sector.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru stated that the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year ensures participation from all sectors of society. Speaking at a post-budget press conference on Friday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said that no profession has been left out of this year’s budget and that it reflects the needs of every citizen.

He explained that the context of this budget is different, as previous regimes failed to reflect public interests in their budgets. Referring to the government formed in February through popular elections, Khasru said people’s expectations are high, and the new administration has aimed to address those aspirations. He described the budget as one that considers the livelihoods of all citizens.

The minister added that while the economy previously served only certain groups, the current plan provides a roadmap for everyone despite limited resources.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the new national budget reflects the expectations of the people and seeks to increase allocations for all sectors despite existing limitations. He made the remarks on Friday at a post-budget press conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the National Board of Revenue, and the Planning Commission.

The ministers of power, information, education, fisheries, and planning, along with the cabinet secretary, were also present at the event. The 2026–27 fiscal year budget, presented on Thursday, outlines the government’s income and expenditure plans and focuses on restoring economic stability, boosting investment and employment, and laying the foundation for long-term development.

According to the finance minister, the government’s main objective is to ensure public comfort amid current economic realities and to revive momentum in the national economy.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has described the 2026–2027 fiscal year budget, announced by the BNP-led government, as heavily deficit-driven and dependent on loans. At a press conference held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Friday, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the budget failed to reflect public expectations or outline a path toward a self-reliant and corruption-free nation. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the Tk 9.38 trillion budget in parliament on Thursday.

Porwar stated that the proposed budget includes a deficit of about Tk 2.36 trillion, with a revenue target of Tk 6.29 trillion, but lacks an effective tax structure and corruption-free administration. He warned that the government’s borrowing from banks could reduce private investment and employment. He also identified rising energy costs, high inflation, and global economic uncertainty as major obstacles to implementation.

Jamaat leaders said they had proposed a people-oriented and realistic budget, but claimed the government ignored their suggestions. Several senior party officials attended the press conference and responded to media questions.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a Tk 9.38 trillion proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in the National Parliament on Thursday. This marks the first budget of the current government and the minister’s first presentation. The proposal drew mixed reactions from economists, politicians, and citizens, with some praising its reformist tone and others calling it overly ambitious and detached from economic realities.

The budget pledges to depoliticize the banking sector, reduce government borrowing from banks by Tk 60 billion, and promote private investment. It also proposes tax exemptions for edible oil production and renewable energy, and aims to raise education spending to 5% of GDP. A new pay scale for government employees and expanded financing for youth and women entrepreneurs were also announced. However, analysts warned that the 23% higher revenue target and a projected Tk 2.43 trillion deficit could strain inflation and debt sustainability.

Reactions varied: CPD’s Debapriya Bhattacharya termed it a thoughtful budget but flagged financing and foreign debt management as key challenges. Opposition figures criticized it as unrealistic and lacking transparency, while TIB welcomed the absence of black money legalization but urged stronger governance measures.

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.