Battery-powered rickshaw production to become costlier

The cost of manufacturing battery-powered rickshaws is set to rise under the proposed budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. One of the key changes includes an increase in customs duty on 1200-watt DC motors—from 1% to 15%.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced the adjustment on Monday (June 2) while unveiling the proposed budget. He stated that the increased duty aims to align import tariffs with fiscal consolidation goals.

Additionally, the proposed budget introduces a 10% import duty on helicopters, which were previously exempt. This change is expected to increase overall helicopter import costs.

The total size of the proposed national budget stands at Tk 7,89,999 crore—Tk 7,000 crore less than the current fiscal year’s original allocation. The budget projects a GDP growth rate of 5.6%, a deficit of Tk 2,66,000 crore (3.6% of GDP), and inflation at 6.5%. The proposed Annual Development Programme (ADP) is set at Tk 2,30,000 crore.

The budget, described as contractionary by government officials, was approved at a special session of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Following approval, President Md. Shahabuddin signed off on the proposal.