The proposed national budget for FY2026–27 is not merely a statement of income and expenditure, but a strategic roadmap to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034, Prime Minister’s adviser on finance and planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said on Thursday.
Speaking as chief guest at a dialogue organised by Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, he said the budget has been framed with a forward-looking vision to navigate ongoing economic challenges while laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Titumir said the government will sharpen its focus on human capital development, particularly in health and education, alongside institutional reforms to improve governance and efficiency.
He stressed that bureaucratic red tape would be reduced to facilitate ease of doing business, while energy security would be strengthened to support industrial growth.
On revenue mobilisation, the adviser said the government intends to expand domestic resource collection without increasing tax rates. “The emphasis will be on boosting income through economic expansion and curbing leakages, including waste, fraud and irregularities,” he said.
He added that export growth would be prioritised and businesses would receive incentives worth Tk 60,000 crore. Reviving closed industrial units would also be a key focus area.
Framing the broader policy challenge, Titumir said the immediate task is to steer the economy out of current pressures while building a humane and welfare-oriented state.
“The key to creating fiscal space lies in two areas — expanding economic activity to raise incomes and reducing inefficiencies and corruption to retain more revenue,” he said.
At the event, former adviser to the caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury underscored the importance of effective implementation of social protection programmes.
“Without proper execution, social safety nets will remain policy statements on paper,” she said, adding that marginalised communities need to be actively lifted rather than merely identified.
Vice Chancellor of Asian University for Women, entrepreneur Rubana Huq said the business community remains cautious amid current uncertainties, but will continue to support government initiatives.
The dialogue, titled “Budget FY2026–27: Tackling Economic Headwinds,” brought together policymakers, economists and business leaders to discuss the challenges and priorities of the proposed budget.