Desk Report:
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the main philosophy of the upcoming national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year is to democratize the economy and bring the poor and marginalized into the mainstream of economic activities.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Budget 2026-27: Expectations and Reality’ organized by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in the capital on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).
The Finance Minister said that the low-income people have been deprived the most in the budget of Bangladesh. Therefore, the poor, low-income people and housewives have been given priority in this year’s budget. He said that although budget formulation in a short time is a big challenge for the current government, the government is working to meet the expectations of the people.
He said that under the Family Card program, money will be transferred directly to the bank or mobile accounts of the beneficiaries. There will be no political influence or opportunity for middlemen in this process. At the same time, initiatives have been taken to ensure food security and improve the standard of living of farmers by introducing a ‘Farmers Card’.
Regarding the health sector, the Finance Minister said that the people of the country have to spend extra money from their own funds for healthcare. For this reason, the government is giving importance to expanding universal and primary healthcare. Along with government institutions, the private sector and NGOs will be involved in this program.
He also said that the ‘Creative Economy’ program has been taken to involve blacksmiths, potters, weavers, small artisans, theater workers and cultural workers in economic activities. Under this program, assistance will be provided in skill development, credit facilities, design assistance, branding and marketing.
The Finance Minister said that not only industries and factories, but also the creative sector including culture, sports and crafts can make an important contribution to the country’s economy. The government’s goal is to ensure the democratization of the economy so that all people in the country have the opportunity to participate in economic activities and enjoy the benefits of development.
Stressing the need to reduce regulation and bureaucratic complexity in business and trade, he said that various approvals must be issued within the stipulated time frame. Initiatives are being taken to build a deregulated economy by reducing unnecessary regulation in investment and business.
Regarding the implementation of the budget, he said that a dashboard system will be introduced to monitor the development projects of various ministries. Through this, it will be possible to quickly identify delays in project implementation and responsible persons.
Regarding the capital market, he said that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) is being restructured and a new commission will be formed soon with professional and experienced people. This will increase the confidence of domestic and foreign investors and companies will be able to easily raise funds through the capital market.
He expressed hope that the country’s economy will gradually move towards stability and prosperity through the government’s various reform initiatives.
The seminar was chaired by Daulat Akhtar Mala. Fahmida Khatun, Azam J Chowdhury and Shawkat Aziz Russell spoke as special guests. The program was hosted by Abul Kashem.
