Govt proposes homemakers’ labor to be included in GDP

In a landmark move, Bangladesh‍‍`s interim government has acknowledged the economic value of homemakers‍‍` unpaid labor.

As part of the proposed national budget for FY2025–26, the government announced plans to explore mechanisms to include the contributions of housewives in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The finance advisor, during Monday’s budget speech, emphasized that the unpaid domestic work performed by homemakers is worthy of recognition and that the government is committed to identifying a framework through which their economic contribution can be quantified and integrated into national economic planning.

Additionally, the government is prioritizing the development of skilled caregivers to meet international demand and boost overseas employment opportunities.

A dedicated training program for caregivers will be introduced to enhance the quality and quantity of remittance inflows.

The budget also proposes the introduction of PhD programs in nursing and the establishment of a training center for nursing instructors, aimed at bringing Bangladesh’s healthcare education up to international standards.

Furthermore, the budget outlines continued support for the families of the 84 child martyrs of the historic July uprising, as well as ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for injured children.