Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the upcoming national budget will be designed around the principle of “democratisation of the economy,” with a strong focus on integrating poor and marginalised communities into mainstream economic activities.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Budget 2026-27: Expectations and Reality” organised by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in Dhaka on Tuesday, the minister said low-income groups, women, and homemakers will be given special priority in the new fiscal plan.
He noted that historically, low-income citizens have been the most deprived in Bangladesh’s budgetary framework, and the government aims to correct that imbalance through targeted fiscal measures.
The minister acknowledged that the budget is being prepared under difficult circumstances, saying the administration inherited a fragile economy marked by weak investment, rising unemployment, and increasing poverty. Despite this, he said the government is constitutionally bound to present the budget within a limited timeframe.
Khosru emphasised that restoring economic stability requires significant intervention, comparing the current situation to priming a tube well before water can be drawn. He said the government is investing heavily to revive economic activity and restore confidence.
Key initiatives in the upcoming budget include expansion of the Family Card programme, which will provide direct financial assistance to women heading households through bank accounts to reduce corruption and ensure transparency. A pilot project reportedly showed only a 1 to 1.5 per cent deviation rate, which the minister said could improve further.
He also announced the introduction of Farmer Cards to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods, along with expanded support for healthcare aimed at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses through universal primary healthcare initiatives.
In addition, the government plans to promote the “creative economy,” including artisans, weavers, performers, and cultural workers, through training, financing, branding and digital marketing support.
The minister reiterated that private sector development, regulatory simplification and digital monitoring of development projects will be key features of the budget to ensure efficiency and accountability.
