Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh’s interim government is set to unveil a BDT 7,90,000 crore (BDT 7.9 trillion) national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26) on Monday, with a focus on economic stability, job creation, inflation control, and fiscal discipline amid both domestic and global uncertainties.
This will be the 54th budget of the country and the first under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration after a historic student-led uprising.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will deliver the budget speech in a pre-recorded broadcast at 3:00 PM, to be aired on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, with all private channels requested to simulcast.
Key Budget Figures at a Glance
| Indicator | FY25 Original | FY26 Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Budget | Tk 7,97,000 crore | Tk 7,90,000 crore | ↓ Tk 7,000 crore |
| Revenue Budget | Tk 5,32,000 crore | Tk 5,60,000 crore | ↑ Tk 28,000 crore |
| Development Budget (ADP) | Tk 2,65,000 crore | Tk 2,30,000 crore | ↓ Tk 35,000 crore |
| Budget Deficit | Tk 2,56,000 crore | Tk 2,26,000 crore | ↓ Tk 30,000 crore |
| GDP Growth Target | 5.25% (revised) | 5.5% | ↑ |
| Inflation Target | 6.5% | 6.5% | Unchanged |
In an exclusive interview with BSS, Finance Adviser Dr. Ahmed stated, “We won’t call this a small budget—but it will be time-befitting and implementable. Our focus is on trade, inflation, reserves, revenue mobilisation, and social issues.”
Officials at the Finance Division said the FY26 budget has been designed with fiscal consolidation in mind, avoiding populist expenditures and large-scale borrowing. It aims to deliver a pragmatic financial roadmap prioritising macro-stability and targeted growth.
The government is avoiding short-term, high-interest foreign borrowing, with no new mega projects planned except for the Matarbari development project, which is financed by long-term Japanese loans.
The development budget (ADP) will shrink to BDT 2,30,000 crore—a BDT 35,000 crore cut from the previous fiscal year—reflecting a shift towards efficiency and project viability.
A projected GDP growth of 5.5% and inflation target of 6.5% underline the government's aim for sustainable recovery and price stability.
The FY’26 budget reflects a reset in economic governance, according to analysts, as the interim government balances public welfare with fiscal restraint. By trimming unnecessary expenditures and investing in core sectors, the budget signals a shift toward a more accountable and growth-oriented economic direction.
BBN/SSR/AD