10 priorities of the proposed budget
The finance minister said the government has set targets of reducing inflation to 7.5% and increasing economic growth to 6.5% in the next fiscal year
The government has identified 10 key priorities in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, focusing on inclusive development, employment generation, education and healthcare, energy security, and administrative reform.
Presenting the budget in parliament yesterday, Finance Minister Amir khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the budget had been formulated around these 10 priorities.
The first priority is development for all. The government aims to establish a non-discriminatory and inclusive economy by ensuring balanced participation and partnership across all sectors, regions and social groups.
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The second priority is quality education and healthcare for all. The government seeks to transform the younger generation into a skilled workforce through a practical, skills-based and values-driven education system. It also aims to ensure universal access to quality healthcare as a fundamental right of every citizen.
The third priority is universal social protection. The government plans to strengthen the foundations of a welfare state by establishing a life-cycle-based social protection system covering citizens of all ages and income groups.
The fourth priority is an investment-driven, employment-oriented and production-focused economy. This includes promoting planned industrialisation, export diversification and technology-based economic activities to create entrepreneurs and expand employment and income opportunities for young people. Agriculture will be treated as a strategic sector for production, livelihoods and national food security.
The fifth priority is deregulation and a simplified, affordable business environment. The government intends to reduce delays and unnecessary procedures in public services through deregulation, creating a transparent, business-friendly and cost-effective environment.
The sixth priority is financial sector stability. The government plans to restore depositor confidence and accountability by strengthening discipline, transparency and governance in the banking and financial sectors. It also aims to encourage investment through capital market reforms.
The seventh priority is energy security. Alongside ensuring uninterrupted supplies of electricity and fuel to sustain productive activities, the government seeks to build self-reliant energy security through an affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy system.
The eighth priority is the development of information and communication technology. The goal is to build a future-oriented, dynamic and technologically inclusive Bangladesh and transform the country into one of the world's leading ICT exporters.
The ninth priority is the management of life, nature, environment and water resources. The government plans to transform afforestation into a green revolution through public participation, protect biodiversity, incorporate environmental considerations into development activities, restore navigability of rivers and revive canal excavation programmes to build a sustainable, green and climate-resilient future.
The tenth priority is transparent, efficient and accountable institutions and administration. The government aims to build sustainable state capacity through merit-based and accountable institutions while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public investment implementation.
The finance minister said the government has set targets of reducing inflation to 7.5% and increasing economic growth to 6.5% in the next fiscal year. It also aims to restore comfort in people's lives through sustainable economic discipline.
In his budget speech, the minister also highlighted plans to bring the creative economy, sports economy, green economy and blue economy into the mainstream of the national economy.
