Budget to foster business-friendly environment 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the upcoming national budget would focus on creating a business-friendly environment, encouraging investment and generating employment opportunities to support economic recovery.

Speaking during the question-and-answer session on the fourth day of the second session and first budget session of the 13th National Parliament, he said restoring economic discipline and improving the investment climate were among the government's top priorities.

Replying to a question from Cumilla-10 MP Md Mobashwer Alam, the Prime Minister said the country's economy had suffered due to corruption and money laundering during the previous regime. He said the government was working to create conditions conducive to business growth and investment.

Tarique Rahman said the government's first budget, scheduled to be placed on June 11, had been prepared with the interests of businesses in mind. He said traders, entrepreneurs and industrialists would benefit from measures aimed at simplifying investment procedures and attracting both local and foreign investors.

He announced that expatriate Bangladeshis and foreign investors bringing capital into the country would receive a 1.5 per cent investment incentive or commission. He also said Bangladesh Bank had created a Tk60 billion fund with a 9 per cent interest rate to support genuine and affected businesses.

Responding to a question on reducing bank lending rates to boost investment, the Prime Minister said the issue was under review. He added that if lower interest rates were found to support investment and economic growth, the government would consider taking the necessary steps.

The Prime Minister also assured Parliament that development activities would be carried out equally across the country, regardless of whether constituencies were represented by ruling party or opposition lawmakers.

Addressing criticism from opposition parties, he said the government believed in democracy and accountability and would welcome constructive criticism.

Tarique Rahman informed Parliament that all ministries and divisions had prepared action plans for the first 180 days, the 2026-27 fiscal year and the next five years to implement the government's election commitments.

He said the government had also launched a number of initiatives in agriculture, education, technology and public administration as part of its broader development agenda.