Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the economic adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, will present the national budget for FY 2025–26 on Monday, June 2, at 4 PM through a pre-recorded broadcast on Bangladesh Television.
This marks a significant departure from the traditional budget presentation, where the finance minister presents the budget in Parliament with the iconic black briefcase. Instead, Dr. Ahmed will carry the documents in a regular file.
The budget will be approved in a special cabinet meeting led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus earlier that morning.
Following the president’s formal approval, Dr. Ahmed will proceed to BTV to record the presentation, accompanied by key finance ministry officials.
Sources confirm the budget size will be BDT 7.9 trillion — BDT 70 billion less than the current year’s — due to rising interest payments and reduced revenue collection.
Spending on salaries and subsidies will remain unchanged, and the deficit will stay below 5% of GDP. The government also plans to implement a uniform 15% VAT across all products and enhance administrative efficiency to raise an additional BDT 300 billion in revenue, with a target of BDT 4.99 trillion.
Unique to this interim government’s process, the public will be invited to send feedback on the budget, which may be considered for final approval on June 23. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1 via a presidential ordinance.
The government also plans to increase food sector allocation more than ninefold to BDT 11 billion and may raise the tax-free income threshold. Injured ‘July Movement’ freedom fighters may receive tax benefits similar to that of war veterans.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the budget will be realistic and will avoid mega projects or excessive borrowing.
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