Bangladesh’s Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has said that the proposal to legalize black money in the new national budget will encourage renewed economic corruption. In a statement sent to the media on Thursday as an initial reaction to the proposed budget, he described the fiscal plan as a half-hearted attempt to meet public expectations within limited capacity, warning that the large deficit will ultimately burden ordinary citizens.

Haque noted that the government’s reliance on bank borrowing is likely to increase and that the ambitious revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion will determine the success of budget implementation. He described the GDP growth target of 6.5 percent as modest and the inflation reduction goal of 7.5 percent as realistic, emphasizing that unchecked inflation would undermine public welfare. He urged greater incentives for domestic investment, reopening closed factories, and promoting labor-intensive industries to create jobs.

He also criticized the continuation of the black money whitening policy, saying it perpetuates economic wrongdoing. Haque added that allocations for education and health remain inadequate and called for increased funding for key sectors such as industry and agriculture.

Economist and Distinguished Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya has cautioned that Bangladesh’s newly proposed debt-dependent budget could pose challenges to fiscal discipline. Speaking to reporters on June 11 after leaving the national parliament’s budget session, he said the budget relies heavily on foreign loans and includes large lump-sum allocations across several sectors. According to him, the success of the budget will depend on its effective implementation.

Dr. Bhattacharya noted that the budget emphasizes liberalization, building a humane economy, and promoting digital inclusion. It also mentions allocations for youth and marginalized groups. However, he argued that the financial framework designed to implement these policy goals remains weak, with significant dependence on external borrowing. This, he warned, could undermine fiscal stability in the future.

He added that the government’s ability to maintain reform continuity and efficiently execute the budget will be the key test in the coming days.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed major VAT exemptions in Bangladesh’s upcoming fiscal year budget, focusing on business, investment, and employment growth. The proposal includes a complete withdrawal of the 15 percent VAT on services provided by content creators and freelancers, removal of the 300 taka tax on mobile SIM cards, and an extension of VAT exemptions for certain industries.

The budget also suggests full VAT exemption for local supply, service imports, and rental spaces used by startup companies until June 30, 2035. In the health sector, a 10 percent VAT exemption is proposed for heart rings and intraocular lenses, along with a 7.5 percent advance tax waiver on dialysis equipment. For agriculture, all fertilizers and imported pesticides would be exempted from VAT and advance tax.

Additionally, VAT exemption for local production of mobile phones, computers, and electric vehicles would continue until 2030. New VAT rates are proposed for imported frozen fish, trees, and jewelry services, while higher taxes are planned for tobacco products to discourage consumption.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury proposed allocating Tk 300 crore for housing families of martyrs and disabled fighters from the July uprising under an ongoing project. He announced this during the presentation of the proposed 2026–27 national budget in parliament on Thursday. The proposal also includes continuing the existing monthly allowances for July uprising martyrs’ families and injured participants, while increasing the number of beneficiaries by 1,857 to a total of 16,513.

According to the proposal, families of martyrs will continue to receive Tk 20,000 monthly, while injured individuals in categories A, B, and C will receive Tk 20,000, Tk 15,000, and Tk 10,000 respectively. Additionally, allowances for decorated freedom fighters’ families will rise by Tk 5,000, setting monthly payments at Tk 40,000 for Bir Sreshtho, Tk 30,000 for Bir Uttom, and Tk 25,000 for Bir Bikrom and Bir Protik. The general freedom fighters’ allowance remains unchanged at Tk 20,000.

The finance minister also stated that the government plans to build 4,730 Bir Nibash homes in the 2026–27 fiscal year to ensure housing for freedom fighters and preserve the history of the Liberation War.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced major reforms for Bangladesh’s telecommunications and information technology sectors in the proposed 2026–27 national budget. To accelerate digital transformation, the government plans to withdraw the SIM card tax, reduce local production taxes, and expand 5G coverage nationwide. The Tk 300 tax on each SIM card will be fully removed, leaving only a 15 percent tax, which is expected to make mobile services more affordable. The government anticipates a revenue loss of about Tk 1,200 crore from this decision.

To keep mobile phone prices within reach, the budget proposes cutting advance tax on 22 raw materials for local manufacturers from 5 and 2 percent to just 1 percent. The source tax on mobile network services will drop from 12 to 10 percent, likely reducing call and internet costs. Additionally, the 20 percent source tax on BTRC license fees will be withdrawn.

The minister said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 5G coverage and ensure a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps. Work has already begun with 4.1 million new 4G connections and free high-speed internet at key trains and airports.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will increase the monthly honorarium for families of decorated freedom fighters. Presenting the 2026–27 fiscal year budget in the National Parliament on June 11, he proposed a rise of 5,000 taka per month for each category of decorated freedom fighters’ families. Under the proposal, Bir Sreshtho families would receive 40,000 taka, Bir Uttom families 30,000 taka, and Bir Bikrom and Bir Protik families 25,000 taka monthly. The allowance for general freedom fighters remains unchanged at 20,000 taka. Other benefits such as festival bonuses, New Year allowances, medical support, and funeral grants will continue.

According to the Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust, the titles were awarded in 1973 to recognize acts of bravery during the 1971 Liberation War, with seven Bir Sreshtho, 68 Bir Uttom, 175 Bir Bikrom, and 426 Bir Protik honorees. The minister also announced plans to build 4,730 “Bir Nibas” homes for freedom fighters in the next fiscal year.

The budget proposal also maintains existing allowances for families of those killed in the July uprising and increases the number of beneficiaries to 16,513.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has described the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year as business and investment friendly. The organization stated that the real success of the budget will depend on the effective implementation of the announced reform programs. At a post-budget reaction event in Dhaka, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said the proposed budget of Tk 9.38 trillion and the Tk 3 trillion Annual Development Programme are significant for the economy, but improving implementation capacity is essential. He also noted that high revenue targets and debt-based deficit management could pose challenges for private sector liquidity.

DCCI welcomed several measures, including treating tax deducted at source as advance tax, reducing duties on industrial raw materials, setting lower tax rates on 60 essential goods, and announcing a five-year tax structure in advance. It also appreciated incentives for healthcare, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, while urging an increase in the tax-free income limit to Tk 500,000.

The chamber further endorsed the allocation of Tk 50 billion for CMSMEs within a Tk 600 billion stimulus package, special facilities for women and disabled entrepreneurs, and simplification of small business taxation. It said mandatory single-window systems, faster work permits, lower withholding tax on foreign loans, and policy reforms could attract domestic and foreign investment.

Bangladesh’s proposed 2026–27 national budget introduces major tax reductions for the telecommunications industry, aiming to establish it as a national “thrust sector.” The budget proposes full withdrawal of the fixed Tk 300 tax on mobile SIMs, which is expected to reduce government revenue by about Tk 1,200 crore in the next fiscal year. It also suggests removing the 20 percent withholding tax on revenue shares, license fees, and other charges collected by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Additionally, import duties on 22 types of raw materials used in mobile handset production would be reduced to 1 percent.

The proposal extends the conditional VAT exemption for mobile phone manufacturing and assembly until June 30, 2030. The government has also initiated efforts to expand 5G coverage to 90 percent of the population within two years and ensure broadband speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps nationwide. The budget speech emphasized that telecom tax, VAT, and licensing policies will undergo major reforms to align with international standards.

Currently, ICT and telecom contribute only 1–2 percent to GDP, but the government targets a 10 percent share within five years through planned reforms and investment.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed allocating Tk 1,081 crore in the 2026–27 national budget to expand monthly honorariums and festival allowances for imams, muezzins, mosque caretakers, and priests and attendants of other religious institutions. The proposal was presented in the national parliament on Thursday. The government also plans to make Hajj management more affordable and efficient. Currently, imams, muezzins, and caretakers receive Tk 10,000 monthly, while priests and attendants of other faiths receive Tk 8,000. So far, 9,520 individuals from 6,438 religious institutions have benefited from these payments.

The proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year totals Tk 9.38 trillion, equivalent to 13.7 percent of GDP. The GDP growth target is set at 6.5 percent, with inflation expected at 7.5 percent. The budget deficit is projected at Tk 2.43 trillion, or 3.6 percent of GDP, to be primarily financed from domestic sources. This is the first budget presented by the newly formed BNP government following the February national election.

Compared to the previous fiscal year’s revised budget of Tk 7.88 trillion, the new proposal increases total expenditure by Tk 1.5 trillion.

Bangladesh’s proposed national budget of Tk 9.38 trillion has drawn mixed reactions from consumers and traders, who say that despite no new taxes on essential goods, market instability persists due to high inflation. Visits to several Dhaka markets, including Karwan Bazar and Noyabazar, revealed that both buyers and sellers are struggling with rising prices of rice, lentils, oil, and eggs. Many low- and middle-income families expressed little interest in the budget, focusing instead on whether daily essentials will become more affordable.

Traders cited increased transport, fuel, and electricity costs as reasons for higher wholesale prices, while some blamed powerful syndicates for manipulating the market. Consumers voiced frustration that their incomes have not kept pace with inflation, forcing them to cut spending or rely on savings. Market analysts noted that post-budget price hikes are often psychological, exploited by unscrupulous traders seeking extra profit.

Experts warned that without stronger government monitoring and enforcement, the benefits of reduced tariffs may not reach consumers. The Consumer Association of Bangladesh urged authorities to tighten oversight to prevent further hardship for low-income households.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a Tk 10,350 crore allocation for the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget, up from Tk 9,069 crore in the revised 2025–26 budget. The proposal was presented in parliament on Thursday under the chairmanship of Speaker Major (Retd.) M Hafizuddin, following approval by the parliamentary business advisory committee.

In his budget speech, the minister emphasized the government’s focus on sustainable disaster management and mitigation, citing recurring natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, and tidal surges. He also noted continued humanitarian assistance for over 1.1 million displaced citizens from Myanmar. The budget includes allocations for rural employment, infrastructure maintenance, and food distribution programs, as well as ongoing construction of disaster shelters and canal excavation projects.

The ministry is advancing the establishment of a National Emergency Operation Center and has purchased modern rescue equipment worth Tk 521 crore. Satellite technology is being used to strengthen disaster forecasting and riverbank monitoring, while SMS alerts and a toll-free weather information service are being expanded nationwide.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday. The total ministry-wise allocation amounts to Tk 9.3 trillion, with the highest share going to the Secondary and Higher Education Division at Tk 573.02 billion. The lowest allocation was proposed for the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, receiving Tk 103.5 billion.

Other major allocations include Tk 493.87 billion for the Health Services Division, Tk 467.38 billion for the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Tk 424.97 billion for the Defence Ministry, Tk 402.46 billion for the Local Government Division, Tk 369.18 billion for the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Tk 310.99 billion for the Home Ministry. The total proposed budget size stands at Tk 9.38 trillion, up from Tk 7.88 trillion in the revised 2025–26 budget.

The government set a revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion. Operating expenditure is projected at Tk 6.0574 trillion, while total development spending, including the Annual Development Programme, is set at Tk 3.16075 trillion to sustain infrastructure growth.

In the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has announced the continuation of an environmental surcharge for individuals owning more than one motor vehicle. The proposal, presented in Parliament on Thursday, specifies that each additional vehicle registered under a person’s name will incur a surcharge based on engine capacity or kilowatt rating.

According to the proposal, vehicles up to 1500cc or 75 kilowatts will be charged 25,000 taka each, while those between 1500cc and 2000cc will face a 50,000 taka surcharge. The rates increase progressively, reaching 350,000 taka for vehicles exceeding 3500cc or 175 kilowatts. The lowest-rated vehicle owned by an individual will be exempt from the surcharge calculation. The tax will be collected at the time of vehicle registration or fitness renewal by the relevant authorities.

The measure aims to maintain environmental accountability among vehicle owners and is part of broader fiscal proposals for the upcoming financial year.

The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 includes an allocation of Tk 196.58 crore for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Of this amount, Tk 187 crore is designated for operational expenses and around Tk 10 crore for development projects. In the previous fiscal year 2025–26, the ACC’s proposed allocation was Tk 191 crore, later revised to about Tk 203 crore, making the new proposal slightly lower than the revised figure.

According to the budget document, the ACC plans to strengthen its institutional capacity, expand anti-corruption awareness, and promote social movements against corruption. The commission will form 13-member metropolitan and district committees, 9-member upazila committees, and new union-level committees to institutionalize anti-corruption efforts nationwide. Infrastructure development plans include constructing new divisional offices in Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal, and Sylhet, and expanding the Mymensingh office.

The ACC will also enhance information technology capacity and expand its “Satata Sangha” program in educational institutions to foster integrity among youth. Activities such as honesty stores and public hearings will continue to encourage civic participation.

The government of Bangladesh has proposed a 25 percent fare discount for citizens aged 65 years or older and for persons with disabilities or special needs when traveling by train or metro. The proposal is included in the upcoming national budget for the next fiscal year, aiming to make public transport more inclusive and affordable for vulnerable groups.

Alongside this measure, the government has outlined several major infrastructure projects to modernize the country’s communication network. These include connecting national highways to international routes, upgrading major economic corridors to four lanes, and implementing bus route rationalization in urban areas. Plans also cover the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge, the Dhaka–Chattogram elevated expressway, and the introduction of electronic toll and smart traffic systems.

The budget further envisions replacing old buses with electric ones, expanding the rail network to all districts, and developing a 3,000-kilometer expressway grid. It also includes initiatives to enhance port capacity and establish Cox’s Bazar, Jashore, Rajshahi, and Saidpur as international gateways.