Led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim government has released the first 2025–26 fiscal year budget valued at $64.96 billion (7.9 trillion taka). This follows a series of economic pressures, for example, inflation, less foreign investment and general concerns about government finances. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed’s proposed budget hopes to create new jobs, help the most vulnerable and keep inflation from rising. Following the 2024 student-led protest, the new government in place charges the previous team with poor management of Tunisia’s economy. The budget will start on July 1 after being issued by a presidential ordinance.
Economic Challenges and Budget Priorities
The upcoming 2025–26 budget is slightly smaller than the last budget, due to the ongoing economic uncertainty. There has been a 52.45% decrease in foreign aid coming into Bangladesh and approximately $1.6 billion has entered the country during the first ten months of the current financial year. Because inflation is still close to 10%, living costs are difficult for poorer people. The interim government acknowledged that it took over an unstable economy from the Hasina government which collapsed after she fled the country last August. Additional accusations of major money laundering during Mrs. Hasina’s term add to the financial problems of Bangladesh.
Read Also: Bangladesh Encounters a retreat in the ICC T20 rankings. What is the reason?
Focus on Social Welfare and Economic Recovery
In spite of economic obstacles, the budget pays special attention to finding new jobs and ensuring better social programs for citizens. One important aim is to help low-income households with bigger welfare programs and policies that motivate more trading and business. They say the budget was prepared when needed and is realistic, meant to bring stability and encourage the economy to grow gradually. Transparency and reform efforts are being stressed by the government to restore faith in investors and ensure better handling of finances. This plan shows the administration wants to move forward slowly but ensure an economic recovery that helps everyone.