Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a Tk 49,400 crore increase in education spending for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, raising the total allocation to Tk 1,36,606 crore, equivalent to 2 percent of GDP. The announcement came during his budget speech, where he emphasized rebuilding the education system as a national priority after years of institutional decline. The previous fiscal year’s allocation was Tk 87,206 crore, or 1.39 percent of GDP.

The minister said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to transform the curriculum to foster moral values, social responsibility, leadership, and human character among students. Plans include expanding technical and vocational education from grade six, introducing a mandatory third language, and providing loans up to Tk 10 lakh for students pursuing higher education abroad. Free education for girls up to the undergraduate level will continue.

The budget also prioritizes technology and AI-based learning through initiatives such as “One Teacher, One Tab,” multimedia classrooms, and free Wi-Fi expansion. The government targets raising education investment to 5 percent of GDP in the coming years.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has directed that the ongoing pilot project for the expansion of purebred Black Bengal goats and native sheep be extended to all districts of Bangladesh. He made the announcement while addressing an orientation meeting of the Department of Livestock Services at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council seminar hall on Thursday.

The minister said the project aims to make small and marginal farmers economically self-reliant by promoting high-quality local breeds. He emphasized that the initiative will strengthen rural economies and improve living standards. Tuku also highlighted the importance of field-level officers in training and motivating farmers to adopt modern livestock management practices, including proper care, disease control, and responsible antibiotic use.

He further noted that the Black Bengal goat is a valuable indigenous breed with high reproductive capacity and strong market demand, making it a profitable livelihood source for rural communities. The meeting was chaired by Director General Md. Shahjahan Khan and attended by ministry officials, researchers, and farmers.

The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in Bangladesh includes significant tax and duty increases on several products. The plan raises the price limits for all cigarette categories and proposes a 300 percent supplementary duty on cigarette filter raw materials and 350 percent on nicotine. Locally produced alcohol would face a value-added tax of 500 taka per liter, while domestically produced liquor would also carry a 500 taka supplementary duty per liter. Import duties on cashew nuts are set to rise from 5 percent to 25 percent, which could raise market prices.

The proposal also increases taxes on luxury petrol, octane, and diesel vehicles, particularly those with 1200–1600 cc engines, and doubles the advance income tax on them. In contrast, the budget suggests lowering overall duties and taxes on imported electric vehicles, reducing the current 93 percent rate to 64 percent for EVs priced up to 25,000 dollars and 80 percent for those between 25,000 and 50,000 dollars. Advance tax on EV registration and fitness renewal may also be reduced.

Additional measures include higher VAT on certain steel products, a 20 percent supplementary duty on imported pangas fish fillets, annual advance income tax on helicopters, and an increase in gambling income tax from 20 to 25 percent.

Bangladesh and China have signed an implementation agreement to construct the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, aimed at improving road connectivity and regional economic activity in the southern region. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division. Dr. Md. Mokhsed Ali, Joint Secretary of the division, signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Mr. Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, signed for China. Senior officials from both governments attended the event.

The proposed bridge will be built over the Lohalia River near Boga Ferry Ghat in Patuakhali district, along the Lebukhali–Bauphal–Galachipa–Amragachia highway. The total project length is about 2.62 kilometers, including a 1.348-kilometer main bridge and a 1.272-kilometer approach road. China will provide grant funding for the bridge and approach road construction, while Bangladesh will cover land acquisition and utility relocation costs.

Following the agreement, a Chinese-designated institution will prepare the detailed design and finalize the development project proposal. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, enhance trade and transport, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of southern Bangladesh.

US President Donald Trump said he 'likes inflation' as the country experiences its fastest price rise in three years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 4.2 percent in May compared to a year earlier, up from 3.8 percent in April. The increase was mainly driven by higher energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he liked the numbers and promised that prices would fall sharply once the war with Iran ends.

On the same day, Trump announced that US forces had seized millions of barrels of oil from Iran in overnight operations, which slightly reduced oil prices. Later, he told the New York Post that his remarks were taken out of context and that he meant inflation was lower than expected despite the war. Inflation has now risen for three consecutive months, with energy bills up nearly 25 percent from a year earlier. Opposition leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sharply criticized Trump’s comments.

Economists warned that even if the war ends soon, supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could persist until 2027. The Federal Reserve faces pressure ahead of its rate-setting meeting next week, though analysts expect rates to remain between 3.5 and 3.75 percent.

The Cabinet has approved the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in a special meeting held at the National Parliament on Thursday morning. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, began around 10:15 a.m. and endorsed the budget proposal. Following Cabinet approval, President Md. Shahabuddin is expected to sign the authorization schedule before Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presents the budget at 3 p.m.

This marks the first budget under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration and also the first for Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The proposed budget size is estimated at Tk 9.38 trillion, with a revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion and a deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion. The GDP growth target is set at 6.5 percent, while inflation is projected at 7.5 percent.

The proposal includes raising monthly allowances for persons with disabilities to Tk 1,000, requiring tax return certificates for opening bank accounts and purchasing motorcycles, and increasing stipends for families of decorated freedom fighters by Tk 5,000.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the United States dropped sharply by 17.21% in April 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). The decline follows earlier signs of recovery in the sector, which contributes over 80% of Bangladesh’s total export earnings. Between January and April 2026, total apparel exports to the US reached USD 2.98 billion, down 11.24% year-on-year, with both unit prices and export volumes decreasing.

Industry representatives attributed the fall mainly to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which raised costs and reduced consumer demand. Analysts noted that overall US apparel imports fell 12% due to high inflation and interest rates, while Vietnam and Cambodia increased their exports to the US by 1.31% and 14.07%, respectively. In contrast, China’s and India’s exports to the US dropped by 50.21% and 28.03%.

Export Promotion Bureau data showed Bangladesh’s total exports in May 2026 fell 7.07% year-on-year to USD 4.4 billion, with apparel exports down 8.29%. Industry leaders warned that it remains uncertain when export growth will resume under current global conditions.

The government has revived the process of leasing Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator, DP World, after receiving a directive from the Ministry of Shipping. The port authority has sought approval to form a new seven-member committee to complete tender evaluation and negotiations under the public-private partnership model. This move comes three months after a major protest during the interim government period forced a suspension of the same process.

Previously, workers’ unions and port users had united under the Nationalist Workers Party and allied groups to halt port operations for six days, opposing the lease to a foreign company on national security grounds. However, despite the renewed process, those same groups have remained notably silent, prompting speculation among port stakeholders. A consortium involving companies owned by two BNP lawmakers has also submitted a new proposal offering better terms than DP World’s.

Civil society representatives have questioned why successive governments—Awami League, interim, and now BNP—have all supported foreign operation of the terminal. Labor leaders have warned that if the government ignores their concerns, protests could resume to protect national interests.

More than 4,400 current and former SpaceX employees are set to become millionaires as the company, founded by Elon Musk, prepares for its initial public offering this week at a share price of $135. The IPO marks the largest public debut ever by a private space company, valuing SpaceX at $1.77 trillion—five times the market capitalization of General Electric. Former launch engineer Trevor Heis, who joined SpaceX in 2011, holds over 100,000 shares now worth at least $13.5 million.

According to San Francisco-based investment platform Hill.com, around 400 of these employees will see their wealth exceed $100 million. Hill.com CEO Andrew Benson described this as an unusual outcome, noting that such wealth creation typically benefits only founders. The IPO is expected to transform the financial lives of thousands of SpaceX workers, both current and former.

Some early employees sold their shares years ago, doubting that SpaceX would ever go public. Others, like former supply manager Helvin Bacariza, plan to hold onto their shares even after the IPO, anticipating further growth.

The government of Bangladesh is set to allow individuals to legalize undeclared or black money in specific sectors without facing any questioning. According to the proposal for the 2026–27 fiscal year budget, taxpayers will be able to declare unreported funds used in real estate transactions—such as land, buildings, or flats—if the actual value exceeds the deed value. Both buyers and sellers will be eligible for this opportunity by paying regular income tax on the undeclared portion.

The Ministry of Finance has proposed adding a new clause to the Finance Bill to formalize this provision. If approved, taxpayers can voluntarily pay income tax at the applicable rate for individuals on the undeclared amount, and no authority will raise questions or take action regarding the source of that money, regardless of existing laws.

The initiative is part of the upcoming national budget, which aims to provide relief to citizens within limited resources while addressing a large revenue collection target for the National Board of Revenue.

The Bangladesh government has set a revenue collection target of Tk 6.95 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year, assigning the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to collect Tk 6.04 trillion. This represents an increase of more than 21 percent from the current year, despite NBR facing a shortfall of over Tk 1 trillion in the first ten months. Officials and analysts doubt the feasibility of achieving the new target, citing a decade-long pattern of missed goals.

According to NBR sources, Tk 2.23 trillion is expected from VAT, income tax, and travel tax, accounting for 74 percent of total revenue, while Tk 2.57 trillion is projected from customs duties. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Chairman Dr. M Masrur Reaz described the target as unrealistic, pointing to weak economic growth, widespread tax exemptions, and structural weaknesses in the tax system. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury attributed current shortfalls to slow economic activity, political instability, high inflation, and import duty waivers.

The government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 6.6 percent to 10 percent in the medium term and 15 percent by 2035. NBR is pursuing digitalization and compliance reforms, supported by a World Bank–funded project, to reduce tax evasion and expand the tax base.

Electricity consumers in Rajshahi have reported severe difficulties recharging their prepaid meters after receiving unusually long token numbers ranging from 220 to 252 digits. Previously, users could easily complete recharges using 20-digit tokens, but the new format has caused widespread frustration, especially among elderly and less tech-savvy customers. Many have shared their experiences on social media, describing repeated failed attempts and hours without power despite paying their bills.

According to the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO), the lengthy tokens are part of a one-time update to integrate new electricity tariff rates into the meters following a government decision. The company clarified that customers should enter the tokens in 20-digit segments and that normal 20-digit tokens will resume after successful entry. However, consumers and rights advocates criticized the lack of prior communication, saying the sudden change caused confusion and unnecessary hardship.

Consumer rights groups emphasized that better public awareness through SMS, media, and social platforms could have prevented the disruption. The issue has sparked concern among prepaid meter users across multiple electricity distribution companies.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a plan to construct 1,000 air-conditioned cold storages across the country to preserve perishable agricultural products such as potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure fair prices for farmers. Discussions are ongoing about whether the facilities will be built under a formal project or through direct budget allocation. The Ministry of Agriculture has already instructed officials to take necessary preparatory steps.

According to ministry sources, the cold storages will be established on an urgent basis without launching a long-term project. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Director General Abdur Rahim confirmed that he has been directed to take immediate action. The government has also begun preparations to procure 4,000 onion preservation machines. Officials noted that the country currently has cold storage capacity for about 4.5 million tons of potatoes, while annual demand is around 9 million tons, leading to significant spoilage.

A previous FAO-supported pilot project built 450 non-refrigerated model storage houses in 16 districts, but these were insufficient. The new cold storage plan is expected to significantly strengthen the agricultural supply chain and improve farmers’ income stability.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the upcoming national budget has been prepared to provide relief to all citizens within the country’s limited resources. He made the remarks on Thursday, June 11, while speaking to journalists on his way to attend a cabinet meeting before the budget session. The minister emphasized that the budget focuses on overall national development and improving people’s living standards, noting that this year’s context is somewhat different.

He added that after a long time, a national budget is being presented under an elected government, raising public expectations and aspirations. The budget has been designed with these expectations and future goals in mind. Chowdhury explained that the government had to work within its means, aiming to lead the country from a fragile economy toward stability and build a prosperous Bangladesh. He said this objective is reflected in the new budget.

The report also mentioned that the budget announcement would include major deficit figures, revenue collection targets, and provisions such as opportunities for legalizing undisclosed income.

A special meeting of the cabinet began on Thursday morning at the cabinet room of the National Parliament Building, chaired by the Prime Minister or Leader of the House. The meeting was convened ahead of the presentation of the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

According to the agenda, the meeting will review and approve the revised budget for the previous fiscal year and the draft of the 'Specification (Supplementary) Act, 2026'. It will also consider approval of the draft budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year and the 'Specification Act, 2026'. In addition, proposals related to income tax, customs, VAT, and other revenue collection and management for the upcoming fiscal year are included. The Finance Division prepared the revised and proposed budget drafts, while the Internal Resources Division prepared the tax and revenue proposals.

The government is reportedly considering measures to provide some relief for ordinary citizens while maintaining focus on revenue collection needs.