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.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is set to present a Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament on Thursday afternoon. The budget, the first under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s BNP government, comes amid severe economic pressure, weak banking performance, low export growth, and a major revenue deficit. The government plans to rely heavily on bank borrowing to finance a projected Tk 2.43 trillion deficit, with Tk 1.12 trillion expected from the banking sector.

The budget emphasizes implementing a new pay scale for public servants, doubling allocations for health, and expanding tax exemptions for women entrepreneurs, startups, and renewable energy ventures. It also proposes raising the tax-free income threshold, reducing duties on electric vehicles and locally produced electronics, and offering tax relief for freelancers and content creators. However, new advance taxes on retail sales and higher duties on tobacco and construction materials may increase consumer costs.

According to the Finance Division, the budget aims to stimulate domestic industries, attract investment, and create jobs while maintaining corporate tax stability. Implementation is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will present the 2026–27 national budget in parliament today at 3 p.m., marking the first budget under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s BNP-led government. According to the state news agency BSS, the proposed budget size is expected to reach Tk 9.38 trillion, the largest in the country’s history. The budget aims for 6.5 percent GDP growth and plans to reduce inflation to 7.5 percent amid persistent price pressures.

The draft budget prioritizes 13 key areas, including inflation control, food security, economic recovery, and employment generation. It also proposes Tk 225 crore for an entrepreneurship development fund and Tk 2,000 crore for SMEs, alongside partial implementation of a new pay scale for public servants. Major allocations include Tk 138,339 crore for family and farmer card programs. Revenue collection is targeted at Tk 6.95 trillion, 23 percent higher than the current year, with a projected deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion.

Economists cited challenges such as high inflation, declining private investment, and growing subsidy burdens. The government plans to rely on domestic and foreign borrowing to bridge the deficit while introducing digital reforms like the ‘BanglaBiz’ one-stop service and online tax systems.

A unique initiative in Chattogram has linked vocational training directly to employment for school dropouts. After completing a six-month course under the ‘Special Program—Functional Literacy and Practical Skills Training (Pre-vocational Level)’, 46 young men and women received both certificates and job appointment letters at a ceremony held at the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s office. The program was jointly organized by the Chattogram District Administration and the Bureau of Non-Formal Education.

The training, conducted in Hathazari’s Katirhat High School and Parbati Model Government High School, covered tailoring and dressmaking, mobile phone servicing, computer and graphic design, and refrigeration and air conditioning. Of 77 participants, 73 passed the final evaluation. The district administration coordinated with local employers to ensure job placements. Tailoring trainees joined boutiques with starting salaries of 5,000 taka plus allowances, while others were placed as apprentices or technicians in various local firms.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam said the goal is to make training synonymous with employment, turning dropout youths into skilled human resources. He emphasized fair treatment and safe workplaces for young workers, highlighting skill development as key to national progress.

The Government of Bangladesh has signed a $404 million loan and grant agreement with the World Bank to support the country’s Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Development Program. The signing took place on June 10, 2026, at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Jean Pesme, Division Director of the World Bank’s Dhaka office, signed for the organization.

Under the agreement, the World Bank will provide 284.70 million Special Drawing Rights, equivalent to about $379 million, as a loan, and an additional $25 million grant from the Global Financing Facility. The funds will finance two projects under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The first project, implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services, aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of health and nutrition services, particularly in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. The second project, led by the Directorate General of Family Planning, will focus on climate-resilient reproductive health and population services.

The World Bank loan carries a 30-year repayment term, including a five-year grace period, with an annual interest rate of 1.25% and a 0.75% service charge. The commitment fee of 0.50% on undisbursed funds has been waived for the current fiscal year and beyond.

Bangladesh’s per capita income rose to 3,020 US dollars in the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to provisional GDP data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on June 10, 2026. The figure, equivalent to 368,873 taka at an exchange rate of 122.15 per dollar, marks an increase of 251 dollars from the previous year’s 2,769 dollars. The data show a consistent annual rise in income over recent years.

The BBS report also stated that the country’s gross domestic product expanded by 45 billion dollars to reach 501 billion dollars, or 61.2 trillion taka, compared with 456 billion dollars in 2024–25. Economic growth for 2025–26 was provisionally estimated at 4.14 percent, up from 3.49 percent in the prior year, though investment and savings showed a downward trend.

Sectoral data indicated continued positive performance in agriculture, which grew by 2.78 percent compared with 2.42 percent in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a modest improvement in the sector’s contribution to overall growth.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and Labour and Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, has called for expanded cooperation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to enhance entrepreneurship, skills development, employment generation, and the growth of small and medium enterprises among marginalized communities. The call was made during a meeting with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo in Geneva on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and labor rights. He informed the ILO chief about ongoing efforts to align national laws and policies with international labor standards. Bangladesh has so far ratified 39 ILO conventions and has become the first country in Asia to ratify all fundamental ILO conventions.

The minister also highlighted progress in labor sector reforms, the formation of a Labor Rights Reform Commission, the restructuring of tripartite institutions, and the amendment of labor laws through the National Tripartite Consultative Council. He expressed hope for a positive and amicable resolution of the Article 26 case filed against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank has appointed an observer to Islami Bank in response to ongoing instability within the institution. The central bank announced that Executive Director Mohammad Ashraful Alam will serve as the observer under the authority of the Bank Company Act, 1991. His role will include attending board meetings, monitoring operations, and reporting findings to Bangladesh Bank to safeguard the bank’s and depositors’ interests.

The central bank stated that the move aims to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability in the banking sector. Recent internal disputes over the appointment of a new chairman and board have triggered protests among some customers, leading to widespread concern and deposit withdrawals.

Between June 1 and 7, depositors withdrew approximately Tk 4,240 crore from Islami Bank, causing it to fall short of its required cash reserve ratio. The bank has since sought Tk 10,000 crore in loans from Bangladesh Bank to stabilize liquidity.

Authorities in the Rajshahi region have decided to end the long-standing 'Dholon' system in mango trading and introduce per-kilogram pricing. The decision was made on Tuesday at a meeting held at the office of the Divisional Commissioner, chaired by Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid. The new system aims to ensure fair prices for mango growers. Under the revised rule, wholesalers will receive a commission of three taka per kilogram.

Officials explained that under the previous system, traders often took 44 to 54 kilograms of mangoes while paying for only 40 kilograms, causing financial losses for farmers. The meeting was attended by administrative officials from Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, and Chapainawabganj, along with mango growers, traders, and representatives from relevant departments.

Participants expressed hope that implementing the new system would fulfill a long-standing demand of mango farmers and bring greater transparency to the regional mango trade.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher announced that necessary measures are being taken to enable people to start building houses in the Jhilmil Project area within one year. He made the statement while visiting the Rajuk-implemented Jhilmil Residential Project in Keraniganj, Dhaka. The minister noted that the project had not progressed as expected for many years but is now moving forward with several ongoing developments.

According to the minister, construction of a police station, school, hospital, and effluent treatment plant (ETP) center is underway within the project area. He added that work on apartment complexes will begin soon, while street lights and CCTV cameras are being installed to ensure lighting and security. During the visit, he inspected the under-construction facilities and was accompanied by the state minister for housing, ministry officials, and Rajuk representatives.

At the project site office, Project Director Md. Aminur Rahman presented the project’s progress, and representatives from the Jhilmil Society also spoke on behalf of residents and stakeholders.