Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is set to unveil Bangladesh’s largest-ever national budget on Thursday, outlining an ambitious economic roadmap focused on investment growth, employment generation and human capital development.
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is expected to total Tk9.38 lakh crore, marking the first budget of the BNP-led government following its return to power earlier this year.
Officials involved in the budget process say the fiscal plan is designed to support Bangladesh’s long-term goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by encouraging private investment, reducing regulatory barriers and strengthening key social sectors.
A major feature of the upcoming budget is a shift in spending priorities toward people-focused development. Education and healthcare are expected to receive the largest allocations, reflecting the government`s emphasis on building a skilled workforce and improving social outcomes.
The budget is also likely to include new initiatives aimed at entrepreneurship and job creation. Proposed measures include a Tk225 crore entrepreneurship development fund, a Tk2,000 crore SME support fund and expanded social protection programmes. Plans are also under consideration to create overseas employment opportunities for up to 10 million Bangladeshis.
Officials said a new digital health initiative may be introduced to provide electronic health cards to around 2.5 million citizens as part of efforts to modernize healthcare services and expand coverage.
The government is also expected to allocate Tk300 crore for youth-focused creative and economic activities intended to reduce the risks of drug abuse, extremism and social unrest.
Economic targets outlined in the budget include a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent and inflation of 7.5 percent for FY27. The country`s projected GDP size is estimated at Tk68.30 lakh crore.
Revenue collection is expected to finance Tk6.95 lakh crore of the proposed expenditure, while the remaining amount will be covered through domestic and foreign borrowing. The overall budget deficit is projected at Tk2.51 lakh crore, equivalent to 3.6 percent of GDP.
The government is also preparing a series of business-friendly reforms aimed at improving the investment climate. Officials say the budget will contain measures to simplify licensing procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up approvals for businesses.
As part of that effort, a unified digital platform known as "Banglabiz" is expected to be introduced, bringing licensing, certification and approval services under a single online system. Policymakers believe the initiative will reduce paperwork and improve the ease of doing business.
Tax administration reforms are also set to feature prominently. The government plans to expand automation within the tax system through online filing facilities, electronic refunds and digital services designed to improve compliance and efficiency.
Experts say the budget reflects a broader strategy of shifting economic growth drivers from public infrastructure spending toward investment, innovation and workforce development. However, they caution that achieving the government`s targets will depend on effective implementation, stronger revenue collection and continued efforts to contain inflation.
With inflation still hovering above target levels and private investment yet to fully recover, the FY27 budget will be closely watched by businesses, investors and economists looking for signs of how the government plans to balance growth ambitions with economic stability.
-20260610082702.jpg)
