The CPD Budget Dialogue 2025 was jointly organized by the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and the Independent Review of Bangladesh Development (IRBD) at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. The dialogue included constructive discussions on budget proposals and formulation in the current economic context of the country.
Mr. Shawkat Aziz Russell, President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), spoke as a panel discussant at the event. He said, “The country is currently going through a critical period. In the meantime, the budget has been formulated, but it has not properly reflected the issues of irregularities in the financial sector, corruption in the banking sector, high interest rates, and gas and electricity shortages.”
He said, “In this situation, the domestic manufacturing sector is facing destruction, employment is shrinking, and unemployment is increasing at an alarming rate.” The BTMA President emphasized on necessary reforms in sector-wise policies in budget formulation and formulation of timely, business and investment-friendly budgets.
The discussion was attended by prominent economist and CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, CPD Fellow Professor Mostafizur Rahman, ERD President Daulat Akhter Mala, Sramik Front President Rajequzzaman Ratan, Policy Exchange Bangladesh CEO Dr. Masrur Riaz, Agrani Bank Chairman Abu Naser Bakhtiar, BGMEA Senior Vice President Mr. Enamul Haque Khan, prominent economist Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and politician and lawyer Barrister Rumin Farhana.
