Brac University students engage in post-budget dialogue
On 15 July 2025, the BRAC University Business and Economics Forum (BUBeF) hosted its flagship event, the "Post-Budget Dialogue 2025–26", bringing together economists, corporate leaders, policy experts, and students to critically examine the national budget announced for the fiscal year 2025–26.
The dialogue, held on campus, focused on the implications of the proposed ৳7,90,000 crore budget—announced on 22 June by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed—which marks a significant reduction from the previous year's figure. Panellists reflected on what the revised fiscal direction signals for the country's economic resilience, equity, and reform trajectory.
Former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Alamgir Hossain raised concerns over tax justice, noting that lower and lower-middle-income groups continue to bear a disproportionate tax burden. He advocated for a more progressive tax structure aligned with citizens' ability to pay. Economist Mostafa Amir Sabbih added that, despite increased allocations, social protection schemes currently contribute only 1–3% to reducing extreme poverty, well below the target impact.
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On a more optimistic note, Kazi Halimur Rashid, CFO of Syngenta Bangladesh Ltd., welcomed the allocation of ৳39,020 crore to agriculture, highlighting the budget's attention to climate mitigation, subsidy reforms, and tariff adjustments as timely and necessary.
However, Md Nafiz Al Tarik, Managing Director of Dhaka Bank Securities, warned that revenue policy reform alone is insufficient. "Only a holistic reform approach can unlock the true potential of the capital market and contribute to a stronger economic foundation," he noted.
The session was particularly enriched by thought-provoking questions from students, underscoring the significance of youth-led policy dialogue in shaping informed and engaged citizens.
The event concluded with a shared call to action: to empower the next generation of changemakers with opportunities to engage with national economic decisions critically. Organised successfully by BUBeF, the Post-Budget Dialogue 2025–26 provided a timely and thought-provoking platform for civic and academic discourse.
