This year’s budget is somewhat unconventional: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget is somewhat unconventional. For the first time in the country’s history, the proposed budget for 2025-26 is smaller than the previous year’s.

Speaking at the budget announcement on Monday at 3 PM, Dr. Ahmed explained that the government is shifting focus from growth-centric policies to a more holistic approach emphasizing overall development. Instead of prioritizing traditional physical infrastructure, this budget centers on people.

He stressed that fundamental rights, a dignified living environment, livelihood security, and equality are essential for a strong society and effective governance. Accordingly, the budget emphasizes education, healthcare, good governance, citizen services, and employment. It also addresses opportunities and challenges from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the country’s graduation from least developed status, and climate change, aiming for sustainable development.

This is Bangladesh’s 54th budget and the first under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. With parliament dissolved, the budget is being announced via radio and television. The proposed size is Tk 7.9 trillion, which is 70 billion taka less than last year’s.

Earlier, the advisory council approved the budget proposal in a meeting today.