Bangladesh has set an ambitious goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2034, with the government pledging to drive growth through investment, productivity gains and job creation while expanding economic opportunities across society.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said this while placing the budget for FY27 in the Jatiya Sangsad today.
Outlining its economic vision, the government said it aims to harness both the country’s demographic and longevity advantages to create what it described as a broader “democratic dividend” through inclusive development and wider participation in economic growth, he said.
For the upcoming fiscal year, the government has set targets of 6.5 per cent GDP growth and 7.5 per cent inflation, aiming to strengthen economic stability, improve purchasing power and raise living standards.
The proposed budget is structured around ten strategic priorities, with a focus on inclusive growth, social protection, education, healthcare, investment and institutional reform.
A key pillar of the strategy is ensuring that the benefits of economic expansion are shared more evenly across regions, sectors and social groups. The government said it would pursue policies designed to promote equitable participation in development and reduce disparities.
Education and healthcare have been identified as central priorities, with plans to develop a skills-based education system while expanding access to quality healthcare services. Officials said the objective is to equip the workforce for a changing economy while treating healthcare as a fundamental right.
The government also pledged to strengthen social safety nets through the gradual establishment of a universal, life-cycle-based social protection framework aimed at providing support to citizens at every stage of life.
Economic policy will focus on boosting investment, employment and production, with agriculture receiving special attention due to its role in livelihoods and food security. Authorities also plan to encourage entrepreneurship, accelerate industrialisation, diversify exports and expand the use of technology to create jobs, particularly for young people.
Improving the business climate forms another major component of the agenda. The government has promised to simplify regulations, reduce administrative hurdles and create a more transparent and cost-effective environment for investors and businesses.
Financial sector reform is also expected to feature prominently, with plans to improve transparency, accountability and governance across banking and financial institutions while supporting the development of a more efficient capital market.
Energy security remains a strategic priority, with the government seeking to ensure reliable and affordable energy supplies while pursuing environmentally sustainable solutions to meet future demand.
Officials also outlined ambitions to transform Bangladesh into a leading exporter of information and communications technology (ICT) products and services through digital transformation and innovation-led growth.
Environmental sustainability is another cornerstone of the strategy. Proposed measures include climate resilience initiatives, biodiversity protection, river restoration projects and community-led afforestation programmes aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change.
The government said strengthening public institutions and administrative systems would underpin all aspects of the development agenda, with reforms focused on transparency, accountability, merit-based governance and more effective implementation of public investment projects.
The plans form part of a broader effort to position Bangladesh for sustained long-term growth while addressing social, environmental and governance challenges alongside economic expansion.