Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is committed to transforming Bangladesh into a welfare-oriented state focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
"In essence, our goal is to build a welfare state—not one that only prioritises economic growth, but one where the well-being of common people takes centre stage," Dr Salehuddin told BSS in an exclusive interview at his office ahead of the upcoming FY26 budget announcement.
The forthcoming budget, set to be unveiled on June 2, will be the first under the current interim government. With no Jatiya Sangsad in place, the budget will be presented through a televised address and formalised via a presidential ordinance.
Government insiders have indicated that the FY26 budget will amount to approximately Tk 7,90,000 crore—around Tk 7,000 crore less than the original budget for the current fiscal year. This will be the first budget speech delivered on national television since FY2007–08, when former caretaker government adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam presented two budgets.
People-Centric Budget
Dr Salehuddin emphasised that the FY26 budget would be designed with the needs of the people in mind. "This will be a people's budget. Alongside economic growth, it will aim to expand trade and commerce, create more employment opportunities—including self-employment—and strengthen the social safety net."
He noted that education, healthcare, and welfare would be given special attention, although the benefits of development might not reach everyone equally. "We're doing our best to ensure the positive impacts of development are felt broadly."
Economic Recovery and Challenges
Reflecting on the country's recovery from the political turmoil of last year, Dr Salehuddin said, "When we assumed office in August, the country was facing both political and economic instability. There were significant issues in the banking sector and in trade and commerce. But we've managed to bring the situation under control and restore a degree of stability."
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges. "Though we're in a more comfortable position now, both global and domestic challenges persist. International issues like the US tariff policies and the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue to affect us."
Domestically, he said trade and commerce saw little momentum in the months following the mass uprising but have gradually improved due to strategic measures. "The positive trend is now evident, and we’re moving forward."
A Practical, Realistic Budget
Commenting on the unusual format of this year’s budget presentation, Dr Salehuddin said an outline has already been prepared, although the final figures may change up to the night before the speech.
Following the June 2 announcement, there will be a window for feedback and suggestions before the budget is finalised later in the month.
"This won't be a typical budget," he said. "We're not going to make grand promises or deliver flowery speeches. Instead, we're preparing a realistic and practical budget that reflects our limited resources and focuses on essentials—boosting trade and commerce, employment, and simplifying the lives of ordinary people."
He added that education, health, and social welfare would remain priority sectors.
