BRAC University dialogue explores Bangladesh’s FY2026-27 budget priorities

BRAC University hosted a dialogue on Bangladesh's national budget for FY2026-27 at its Merul Badda campus on Thursday, bringing together economists, academics, students and professionals to discuss the country's economic priorities and challenges surrounding budget implementation.

Organised by BRAC Business School (BBS), the dialogue covered banking sector stability, revenue mobilisation, inflation, taxation, energy security, public expenditure, investment and employment generation, according to a press release.

Professor Salehuddin Ahmed of BBS, former governor of Bangladesh Bank and former adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, identified restoring confidence in the banking sector as an important priority. He highlighted the need for institutional reforms in the financial sector, alongside improvements in revenue collection, tax administration, accountability and expenditure management. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining adequate focus on health, education and social protection.

Professor Salehuddin said the effectiveness of the national budget would ultimately depend on the quality and consistency of its implementation.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor M Fouzul Kabir Khan of BBS, Director of BRAC University's Centre for Energy and Logistics (CEL) and a former adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, discussed inflation, taxation, energy security and fiscal management.

He emphasised greater efficiency and accountability in the tax system, along with stronger measures to improve tax compliance and broaden the country's revenue base.

Discussing energy security, Professor Fouzul highlighted the importance of balancing immediate requirements with longer-term economic and energy considerations. He underscored the need for well-considered policy responses that address current challenges without creating additional pressures elsewhere in the economy.

The discussion also covered investment, employment generation, institutional capacity and evidence-based policymaking. Speakers highlighted transparency, accountability, effective institutions and sound implementation as important factors in achieving the objectives outlined in the national budget.

Moderating the session, BBS Dean Professor Mohammad Mujibul Haque said the dialogue provided students and professionals with an opportunity to engage with experienced economists and policymakers and develop a deeper understanding of how national budgets influence Bangladesh's economic and development trajectory.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants exchanged views on inflation, financial sector reforms, taxation, energy security, investment and Bangladesh's long-term economic outlook.

The dialogue was organised as part of BRAC University's efforts to promote informed academic discussion, critical inquiry and evidence-based engagement on issues of national development.