Proposed budget ambitious, pro-poor and visionary: Law minister tells parliament
Special emphasis has also been placed on health, youth development and job creation, says the minister
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has described the proposed budget for FY2026–27 as visionary, ambitious and pro-poor, saying it will help take Bangladesh to new heights and pave the way for building a self-reliant nation.
"In the past, national budgets were often criticised as either "anti-poor" or "pro-rich," but this year's proposal has not faced such reactions as it prioritises the interests of low-income groups, the middle class, marginal communities, businesses and job-seeking youth, he said while speaking during the general discussion on the budget in parliament today (18 June).
The minister said the proposed Tk9.38 lakh crore budget reflects the government's long-term development vision and is the outcome of sustained planning aimed at ensuring national development and public welfare rather than short-term thinking.
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Responding to criticism that the budget is overly ambitious, Asaduzzaman said a nation cannot move forward without dreaming big. "Without ambition, development is not possible. Bangladesh must move forward with large goals to become a strong and self-reliant state," he said.
The minister said the budget continues subsidies in the agriculture sector, introduces initiatives such as agricultural cards for farmers, and includes programmes aimed at increasing production and providing wider support to rural communities.
He also said the coverage of the family card programme would be expanded to ensure government assistance reaches grassroots populations.
On education, he stressed a shift from certificate-based learning to skills and employment-oriented education, noting that around Tk6,000 crore has been allocated for the development of technical and madrasah education.
He added that special emphasis has also been placed on health, youth development and job creation.
Referring to past economic challenges such as money laundering, weaknesses in the banking sector and global economic instability, he said the government has still managed to prepare a realistic and development-oriented budget.
He said employment generation initiatives, including river and canal excavation and large-scale afforestation programmes, would create new job opportunities.
Asaduzzaman further said the budget prioritises inflation control, expanded tax benefits, social safety net expansion and improved governance. It also reflects commitments to restoring discipline in the banking sector, ensuring the safety of public deposits and strengthening the rule of law.
The minister said the government aims to end a "loot and money laundering-driven economy" and build a transparent, accountable and humane economic system, adding that the proposed budget is an important step towards that goal.
He added that the budget reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people and provides a roadmap for development, employment, social protection and good governance in Bangladesh.
