Finance Minister signals people-centric budget with focus on inflation, jobs

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has revealed that the upcoming national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year will prioritize price stability, job creation, and the upliftment of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable populations.

Briefing the media at his Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office on Wednesday, the minister described the fiscal plan as a comprehensive strategy designed to benefit every tier of society. 
While he urged patience until the formal presentation scheduled for Thursday afternoon, Khosru expressed confidence that the budget would resonate with the public.

"It will be a positive budget that reflects the welfare of everyone�"from students and laborers to artisans and marginalized communities," the minister said. 

He emphasized a significant policy shift away from previous administrations, noting that the interests of the disadvantaged, which he claimed were neglected in the past, will now be central to the government's economic agenda.

Khosru highlighted that the budget is being crafted under the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with a strong focus on addressing the needs of those previously deprived of state support. 

He confirmed that the proposal includes specific mechanisms to curb inflation and navigate the economic headwinds caused by geopolitical volatility in the Middle East.

Key election promises are also set to receive budgetary backing. This includes the continuation and expansion of the "Family Card" and "Farmers' Card" initiatives, alongside large-scale canal excavation projects aimed at rural development.

Addressing the financial climate, the minister noted that the budget will introduce reforms to stabilize the financial sector, rebuild trust in the banking system, and improve macroeconomic management. 

A primary goal will be to enhance revenue mobilization to fund these social and structural goals.

A seasoned economic strategist and BNP Standing Committee member, Khosru brings a background in professional accounting and business leadership to the role. 

Having previously served as commerce minister and as a founder of the Chittagong Stock Exchange, he has reportedly been working around the clock to finalize what will be the nation's 56th national budget.

The budget comes at a critical time for the administration, which took office following the February 12 general election, and is expected to serve as a roadmap for the country’s post-election economic recovery.