The first national budget under the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to be announced today, Thursday (June 11).
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury will present the national budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 in the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) at 3:00 PM.
According to the state news agency BSS, the potential size of the budget is estimated to be BDT 938,000 crore. Once passed, the FY2026–27 budget will mark the country's 55th national budget.
It will also be the first budget of the current government's present term and the maiden budget for Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.
The Finance Division has hinted that this will be the largest budget in the country's history, driven by pressure to fulfill the government's electoral pledges.
BSS reported that the proposed budget estimates the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size for the upcoming fiscal year at BDT 6,830,000 crore, while setting an economic growth target of 6.5%.
The budget comes amid multifaceted challenges, including major political shifts, economic instability, high inflation, weak revenue collection, and stagnant investment.
Consequently, economists view this proposed budget as a critical test for the new administration.
The BNP government last presented a national budget for the fiscal year 2006–07, under the tenure of the late Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman. After nearly two decades, a BNP-led government is once again presenting a national budget.
The Prime Minister and Members of Parliament will be present during the presentation in the Jatiya Sangsad, with a significant number of lawmakers participating in the parliamentary budget process for the first time.
Budget Deficit, Growth, and ADP Targets
The revenue collection target for the upcoming budget has been set at BDT 695,000 crore, leaving an overall budget deficit of BDT 243,000 crore.
For the fiscal year 2026–27, the GDP growth target is projected at 6.5%, while the inflation target is likely to be set at 7.5%.
Meanwhile, the government has initially finalized an Annual Development Programme (ADP) of approximately BDT 300,000 crore.
Out of this, the government's internal funding is estimated at BDT 199,000 crore, while foreign loans and assistance are projected at BDT 110,000 crore.
Major Structural and Tax Reforms Expected
Aiming to stimulate investment, boost employment, and establish a modern and transparent tax system, the FY2026–27 national budget is expected to introduce a series of major income tax proposals.
Radical structural changes are anticipated to provide relief to middle-class taxpayers, create fresh opportunities for the youth, and stabilize the commodity market.
The budget is also likely to propose BDT 225 crore for the Entrepreneurship Development Fund and a dedicated BDT 2,000 crore fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Additionally, a partial implementation of a new pay scale for government employees may be announced.
The draft budget outlines 13 priority areas, including controlling inflation, ensuring food security, economic recovery, achieving higher growth, implementing the party's election manifesto, expanding social safety net programs, and generating mass employment.
Notably, the new budget is expected to allocate BDT 138,339 crore for the highly discussed Family Card and Farmer Card initiatives.
