Reflecting on the newly announced FY 2025–26 national budget, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed described it as a people-friendly and business-friendly framework, crafted under conditions of limited resources and high demands.
Speaking at a post-budget press conference organised by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (June 3), Salehuddin said: “We have brought this year’s budget amidst limited resources and many demands. Without making a fuss, we have made it people-friendly and business-friendly. We prioritised these two aspects while finalising the budget.”
He emphasised that the interim government did not assume power for its own sake, but to fulfil a national responsibility – a sentiment reflected in the way the budget was prepared and presented.
“We have not taken the power of the country, but rather accepted the responsibility. We have presented the budget before the nation in the absence of parliament—and for that, we are accountable to the people.”
Budget presented amid economic fragility
Salehuddin acknowledged the fragile state of the economy, comparing it to being in an ICU (Intensive Care Unit). “We have presented the budget at a time when the country's economy seemed to be in the ICU. In this reality, we have given a budget, and now we will try to implement it,” he said.
The Finance Adviser also highlighted ongoing economic reform efforts, calling for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. “We are continuing with economic reforms. Everyone’s cooperation is needed in this work.”
Balancing people and business needs
Despite the constraints, the budget aims to strike a balance between social protection and economic growth.
“This budget is not completely business-friendly – we’ve included the involvement of the people too. We are committed to the people. We want to emphasise everyone’s security and social development –that’s why we have allocated more to the social sector,” Salehuddin explained.
He urged the media to report responsibly and supportively on the budget and the government’s efforts. “You (media) will work with sympathy. We want to take this country forward. We want to leave behind a fruit-bearing legacy—one that those who come after us can follow.”
International support encouraging
The Finance Adviser noted that the interim government has received encouragement and support from the international community.
“At this time, everyone outside supports us. Every country and organisation is very positive towards us.”
This external goodwill, he suggested, could help Bangladesh navigate its current economic difficulties and attract much-needed foreign investment and aid.
Key fiscal targets in the budget
The FY 2025–26 proposed budget totals Tk 7 lakh 90 thousand crore (Tk 709,000 crore).
To finance this, the government has set a total borrowing target of Tk 2 lakh 20 thousand crore (Tk 220,000 crore), split between Tk 125,000 crore of domestic borrowing and Tk 95,000 crore of foreign borrowing.
This represents an increase in foreign loan targets compared to the current fiscal year, which saw Tk 90,700 crore allocated for foreign loans.
Breakdown of domestic borrowing sources
- Banking sector: Tk 1,04,000 crore
- Savings certificates: Tk 12,500 crore
- Other sources: Tk 8,500 crore
These figures reflect the government’s strategy to rely on both domestic financial institutions and foreign lenders to bridge the funding gap.
A budget for stabilisation and transition
Described as realistic and balanced, the FY 2025–26 budget appears to be a bridge between transition and transformation.
With a focus on social welfare, macroeconomic stability, and investor confidence, the interim government hopes to restore public trust while laying the groundwork for future administrations.
As Salehuddin Ahmed concluded: “We are not here to stay—but we are here to do what must be done.”
Bangladesh now watches closely as the government moves toward implementing one of the most delicate budgets in recent history.