The government of Bangladesh has announced an expansion of its social protection programs aimed at improving the welfare of women and children. Under the Mother and Child Support Program, a total of 1,895,200 mothers will receive a monthly allowance of 850 taka. Additionally, 60 new modern day-care centers will be established across the country to support working parents and enhance child care services.

The plan also includes extending the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) program to 1.04 million families, each receiving 30 kilograms of rice per month. The number of widowed and husband-abandoned women receiving allowances will be increased by 100,000, raising the total to 3 million beneficiaries, each entitled to a monthly payment of 700 taka.

These initiatives reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening social safety nets and supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through direct financial and service-based assistance.

The proposed Bangladesh national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 has made only a minimal increase in the price of low-tier cigarettes and kept taxes on bidi, gul, and jorda unchanged. According to research and advocacy groups PROGGA and ATMA, the lack of reform in the tobacco tax structure and the failure to introduce a specific excise system will make tobacco products more affordable in real terms, potentially increasing consumption and related health risks. The groups warn that the government will also lose the opportunity to raise significant additional revenue.

Under the proposal, the price of a 10-stick pack of low-tier cigarettes would rise by only 2 taka to 62 taka, a 3.33 percent increase, far below the 10.27 percent growth in per capita income. Prices for mid-tier, high-tier, and premium cigarettes would rise by 15, 14.29, and 13.51 percent respectively. PROGGA and ATMA argue that merging the lower tiers and introducing a specific tax could generate about 440 billion taka in extra revenue and prevent roughly 400,000 premature deaths.

The budget also proposes new taxes on nicotine pouches and heated tobacco but ignores the Health Ministry’s call to ban them, raising further public health concerns.

The Government of Bangladesh has outlined several environmental and development initiatives in its proposed national budget, including the construction of the Padma Barrage to improve agriculture, environment, and water management in the southwest region. The project is expected to benefit about 37 percent of the country’s population once implemented.

In addition to the barrage, the government plans to launch large-scale environmental programs to address climate change and promote sustainability. These include a five-year target to plant 2.5 billion trees and create approximately 3,500 green jobs. Authorities are also considering a 'One Child, One Tree' initiative that would add another 10 million trees under the same plan.

The government further aims to reduce plastic waste by 30 percent within five years through the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' (3R) policy framework, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and resource efficiency.

Bangladesh is set to require all business entities to obtain a Business Identification Number (BIN) for accessing seven types of financial and utility services. According to a proposed amendment to the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, businesses must present a BIN when opening or operating current or STD accounts in banks or non-bank financial institutions.

The amendment further stipulates that a BIN or proof of registration will be mandatory for obtaining loans from financial institutions, renewing trade licenses, opening merchant accounts for mobile financial services, acquiring or renewing membership in trade organizations, securing electricity and gas connections in a company’s name, and registering vehicles for business use with the BRTA. Officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the move is part of a broader effort to expand the VAT coverage.

The proposal reflects the government’s ongoing initiative to formalize business operations and strengthen tax compliance through digital identification and registration systems.

The Bangladesh government has proposed raising the excise duty exemption limit on bank deposits in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced in Parliament that depositors with up to four lakh taka in their bank accounts will not have to pay excise duty from the next fiscal year. The measure aims to provide relief to small depositors.

Currently, excise duty is charged annually on bank accounts with deposits of three lakh taka or more. The new proposal increases this threshold to four lakh taka. The finance minister also stated that excise duty will be deducted only once against a single loan account, even if multiple deals or accounts are linked to it.

The proposed 2026–27 budget totals 9.38 trillion taka, with a revenue target of 6.95 trillion taka and a deficit of 2.43 trillion taka. The government plans to finance the deficit through both domestic and foreign sources.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for winning their first-ever One Day International (ODI) series against Australia. The victory was sealed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, where Bangladesh defeated Australia by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method. With this result, Bangladesh secured the series with one match remaining, having earlier won the first ODI by 86 runs, also under the same rule.

In his message, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s success in international cricket would continue in the future and inspire the country’s youth to engage more in sports. He emphasized that through unity, discipline, and confidence, the national team could achieve even greater milestones on the world stage. Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the players, coaching staff, and all involved in the achievement.

The series victory marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh cricket, highlighting the team’s growing strength and consistency in international competitions.

Nearly three decades after the mysterious death of Dhallywood actor Salman Shah, renewed discussions have emerged following a court directive to exhume his body for further investigation. In a recent interview, his mother, Neela Chowdhury, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, saying she sees little justification for another exhumation after previous investigations.

Neela Chowdhury stated that during the second autopsy, doctors, police, and journalists all found the body in a normal condition, yet the report described it as decomposed, which she believes indicates inconsistencies. She alleged irregularities and external influence during earlier phases of the investigation and questioned why the same process is being repeated. Despite her concerns, she said she respects the court’s authority and will abide by its decision.

Salman Shah was found unconscious at his Eskaton residence in Dhaka on September 6, 1996, and was later declared dead at the hospital. Initially recorded as an unnatural death, the case later turned into a murder investigation. The latest court order has reignited public debate over whether his death was suicide or homicide.

The Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) has dismissed the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year as nothing more than political showmanship. In a statement issued on Thursday responding to the budget announcement, the party described it as a collection of empty words rather than a practical financial plan.

According to JASAD’s central executive committee, the proposed budget’s estimated size of 9.38 trillion taka was designed to appear large but is unrealistic and unattainable. The party argued that the budget lacks a foundation in economic reality and serves political rather than developmental purposes.

The statement reflects JASAD’s immediate reaction to the government’s fiscal proposal, emphasizing concerns about feasibility and credibility in the country’s financial planning process.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed formulating regulations for establishing air cargo operator stations to improve logistics services. He made the announcement on Thursday, June 11, while presenting the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in the Jatiya Sangsad. The initiative aims to involve leading global logistics companies and domestic private sector actors in air cargo clearance operations.

According to the minister, implementing the new regulations would gradually transform Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet international airports into full-fledged logistics hubs, significantly expanding the country’s e-commerce sector. The budget also includes a proposal to issue regulations for private port and terminal operators to enhance port services to international standards and attract greenfield investments.

The proposed national budget for 2026–27 totals Tk 9.38 trillion, with a revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion and a deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion. The government plans to finance the gap through domestic and foreign sources, including loans and grants, with the new fiscal year taking effect on July 1.

Bangladesh has been named the theme country at the 10th China–South Asia Expo and 30th China Kunming Import and Export Fair 2026, inaugurated at the Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the participation reflects the growing strategic and economic partnership between Bangladesh and China. The event, running until June 16, features around 2,300 exhibitors from 68 countries.

Bangladesh’s pavilion, inaugurated by Minister Muktadir and Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo, showcases key export sectors including ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, jute goods, leather, plastics, and handicrafts. A record 101 Bangladeshi companies with 175 representatives are participating under the Export Promotion Bureau’s management and the Bangladesh Consulate in Kunming’s support.

On the sidelines, China’s Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong met with Bangladesh’s commerce minister to discuss trade and investment expansion. The Expo will also host a “Bangladesh Day” on June 12 to highlight the country’s economic progress and export potential.

Bangladesh’s proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 includes significant tax reductions to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel cars. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposal in parliament, suggesting that total taxes on imported EVs priced up to USD 25,000 be reduced from 93% to 64%, and for those up to USD 50,000 to 80%. Import duties on EV chargers and charging stations would drop from 39.75% to zero. Conversely, taxes on petrol and diesel vehicles would rise from 132.36% to 155.88% to discourage their use.

The proposal also includes lower duties for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and full tax exemptions for electric buses used by educational institutions until 2030. Local EV assembly and parts manufacturing would receive extensive duty waivers, with varying rates based on value addition. Additionally, the government plans to exempt raw materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery production from all duties and taxes through 2030.

These measures aim to encourage domestic EV production, reduce environmental pollution, and strengthen energy security while maintaining incentives for shipbuilding and dredger industries until 2030.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed doubling the one-time financial assistance for patients suffering from cancer and six other critical diseases to Tk 100,000 in the proposed 2026–27 national budget. The announcement was made in parliament on Thursday during the budget presentation. Currently, under the social safety net program, patients with cancer, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke-induced paralysis, congenital heart disease, and thalassemia receive Tk 50,000 as one-time support.

The financial aid is distributed through the Department of Social Services under the Ministry of Social Welfare, specifically via the Hospital Social Services Program. The budget proposal notes that many patients with these complex diseases cannot afford necessary treatment due to financial constraints, causing severe hardship for both patients and their families. The program, aimed at supporting poor and vulnerable patients, has received appreciation at various levels.

The finance minister also stated that under the Mother and Child Support Program, 1.895 million mothers and children will receive Tk 850 per month.

The Bangladesh government has announced a new pay scale for public officials and employees, marking the first revision in 11 years. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury made the announcement while presenting the 2026–27 national budget in parliament on Thursday. The new salary structure will come into effect on July 1 and will be implemented in phases. According to the minister, allocations for this sector will increase by about 96 percent to support the new structure.

In his budget speech, the finance minister noted that government employees have been receiving salaries under the same structure for over a decade, during which inflation and living costs have risen significantly. The new pay scale aims to improve the living standards of government workers and enhance administrative efficiency.

The government also stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce economic, social, and infrastructural disparities across regions and ensure equitable development nationwide.

Bangladesh’s proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, presented by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, includes significant tax changes aimed at promoting electric vehicles (EVs). The proposal raises total taxes on petrol and diesel cars from 132.36 percent to 155.88 percent, while reducing duties on EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles. For EVs priced up to USD 25,000, total tax would drop from 93 percent to 64 percent, and for those up to USD 50,000, to 80 percent. Import duties on EV chargers and charging stations would be reduced from 39.75 percent to zero.

The budget also proposes full tax exemptions for electric buses used by educational institutions and extends these benefits until 2030. Local manufacturers of electric buses, trucks, and e-bikes would receive duty waivers on raw materials and components. Additionally, the government aims to encourage domestic production of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries by offering tax exemptions on imported materials until 2030.

The overall revenue target for the 2026–27 fiscal year is set at Tk 6.95 trillion, up from Tk 5.54 trillion in the current year.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin described the proposed 2026–27 national budget as a democratic, humane and inclusive step for Bangladesh’s economy. In a Facebook post on Thursday afternoon, he thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for presenting what he termed a people-oriented and visionary budget based on the BNP’s election manifesto. Amin said the budget reflects the aspirations of people from all walks of life, regardless of class, profession, religion or ethnicity.

According to Amin, the budget prioritizes 12 key sectors including education, health, employment, ICT, creative economy, agriculture, social security, women and child welfare, infrastructure, energy and environment. He noted that taxes on essential goods such as rice, lentils, fish, meat, sugar, salt, oil and spices have been reduced to control prices and ease public hardship. The budget also emphasizes investment growth, business expansion, youth and women empowerment, and corruption-free financial governance.

Amin added that the budget aims to reduce administrative costs, increase development spending and expand the tax base to build a sustainable, inclusive and investment-driven economy benefiting all citizens.