Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said the government is carefully managing the country’s economic activities while preparing the next national budget in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Finance Ministry to launch the upcoming “Family Card” programme, the minister noted that global conflicts and economic disruptions are influencing Bangladesh’s economic planning.
“Economic challenges caused by wars and other global developments are realities we cannot ignore. Our current decisions and future economic planning are being shaped with these global circumstances in mind,” he said.
When asked whether the government would continue its austerity measures in public spending, the finance minister said ministries and government agencies have already been instructed to design their programmes in line with the current economic situation.
“The next national budget will also be prepared considering these realities,” he added, indicating that prudent spending will remain a key focus.
Responding to a separate question about energy security, Khasru said Bangladesh is engaging with multiple countries to secure stable fuel supplies.
“Energy security is extremely important for the country. That is why we are maintaining discussions with all potential partner nations that can support our energy needs,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the Family Card programme, which is scheduled to begin on 10 March, describing it as a major initiative aimed at reducing poverty and providing direct economic support to low-income households.
“To my knowledge, such a large-scale poverty reduction programme has not been undertaken in Bangladesh before,” he said. “Through this initiative, we aim to deliver benefits directly to people at their doorsteps.”
Khasru added that the programme reflects the government’s broader vision of gradually transforming Bangladesh into a welfare-oriented state by ensuring that economic assistance reaches citizens more directly rather than through traditional patronage channels.
