Dhaka: The first budget of the BNP-led government for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been presented in the National Parliament. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury outlined ten priority areas aimed at building an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
1. Development for All
The government’s primary objective is to establish a non-discriminatory and inclusive economy by ensuring fair participation and shared benefits for all people, social groups, sectors, and regions.
2. Quality Education and Healthcare for All
The budget seeks to transform the country’s youth into skilled human resources through a values-based, competency-driven, and practical education system. It also aims to ensure universal access to quality healthcare services.
3. Universal Social Protection
The government plans to strengthen the foundations of a welfare state by creating a universal, life-cycle-based social protection system that supports citizens of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
4. Investment-Friendly, Employment-Oriented, and Productive Economy
Through planned industrialization, export diversification, and the expansion of technology-driven economic activities, the government aims to create entrepreneurship, employment, and income opportunities, particularly for young people. Agriculture will also be strengthened as a strategic sector for production, livelihoods, and national food security.
5. Energy Security
The budget emphasizes building a self-reliant energy security system by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of electricity and fuel to sustain economic production. It also envisions a power sector that is affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
6. Stability in the Financial Sector
The government intends to restore depositor confidence and accountability by ensuring discipline, transparency, and good governance in the banking and financial sectors. Reforms in the capital market are also planned to encourage investment.
7. Deregulation and an Affordable, Business-Friendly Environment
By easing regulations and reducing bureaucratic complexities and unnecessary delays, the government aims to create a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective business environment.
8. Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
A key priority is to build a future-oriented, dynamic, and technologically inclusive nation, with the goal of transforming Bangladesh into one of the world’s leading ICT-exporting countries.
9. Management of Life, Nature, Environment, and Water Resources
The government plans to address the impacts of climate change, expand afforestation programs, maintain environmental clearance standards for development projects, restore river navigability, and revive canal excavation initiatives to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
10. Transparent, Efficient, and Accountable Institutions and Administration
The final priority is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public investment implementation while building merit-based and accountable institutions that can strengthen the country’s long-term national capacity.
