The country’s apex trade body has said the proposed national budget for FY2026–27, though large in size, is not beyond implementation if backed by efficiency, transparency and strong policy execution.
In a statement on Saturday, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) welcomed the budget and congratulated the finance minister, saying the fiscal plan reflects priorities such as economic stability, investment, production, employment and equity.
The organisation said the Tk 9.38 lakh crore budget — up by Tk 1.48 lakh crore or 18.7 percent from the current fiscal — is realistic in the context of attracting investment, creating jobs and moving towards a trillion-dollar economy, despite global economic challenges.
However, it cautioned that implementing the country’s largest-ever budget would require “all-out efforts” by the government.
FBCCI expressed optimism over the government’s “three-R” strategy aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, boosting investment and private sector growth, and achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
The budget targets GDP growth at 6.5 percent and inflation at 7.5 percent, which the business body said could help restore stability and improve living standards if achieved.
At the same time, it flagged revenue mobilisation as a major challenge. The government has set a target of Tk 6.95 lakh crore in total revenue — equivalent to 10.2 percent of GDP — including Tk 6.04 lakh crore from the National Board of Revenue.
“Achieving this ambitious target will require a business-friendly, growth-oriented tax system and urgent reforms in revenue administration,” the statement said.
The FBCCI also highlighted concerns over the projected budget deficit of Tk 2.43 lakh crore, or 3.6 percent of GDP. It advised caution in government borrowing from the banking system, warning that excessive borrowing could crowd out private sector credit and dampen investment and job creation.
Instead, it suggested greater reliance on external financing at lower cost, with careful risk management.
The organisation said improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and monitoring in budget execution is critical. It also called for stronger public-private partnerships to ensure effective implementation.
Rising debt servicing costs were identified as another key concern, with the government expected to pay Tk 1.27 lakh crore in interest, including Tk 1.05 lakh crore domestically and Tk 22,500 crore externally.
FBCCI noted that high inflation, a low tax-to-GDP ratio, rising non-performing loans, external debt pressures and global geopolitical uncertainties remain significant risks to budget execution.
The business body, however, welcomed several measures in the budget, including expanded social protection initiatives such as family and farmer cards, incentives for renewable energy, and a proposed Tk 500 crore allocation to support women and youth entrepreneurs.
It also appreciated the move to set corporate tax rates for a five-year period, which it said would provide policy predictability.
However, FBCCI suggested that a further 2.5 percentage point cut in tax rates for non-listed companies could have enhanced business competitiveness.
Overall, the organisation said the success of the budget will ultimately depend on the effective implementation of reform measures and maintaining macroeconomic discipline.