Austerity to top next budget Amir Khasru

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said the government is closely monitoring global economic conditions while preparing the next national budget, stressing that austerity will remain important amid ongoing global challenges.

Speaking at a press conference at the finance ministry to inaugurate the Family Card programme, which will be launched tomorrow, he said the government is managing economic activities cautiously in light of international conflicts and economic uncertainties.

“The economic challenges created by wars and other global factors cannot be avoided.

Our current actions and future economic plans are being shaped with these realities in mind,” the minister said.

When asked whether the government would continue spending austerity, Khasru said all ministries have been directed to design their programmes in line with the prevailing economic situation.

“The next budget will also be prepared considering these circumstances,” he added.

Responding to a question about securing oil supplies from China, the minister said the government is seeking energy cooperation from multiple countries to ensure energy security.

“Energy security is extremely important for the country. That is why we are holding discussions with all countries capable of supplying energy and seeking their cooperation,” he said.

Khasru also described the Family Card programme as a major initiative aimed at reducing poverty.

“To my knowledge, Bangladesh has not previously undertaken such a large-scale poverty alleviation programme.

Through this initiative, we aim to deliver economic benefits directly to people at their doorstep,” he said.

He added that the programme reflects the government’s gradual move toward building a welfare-oriented state.

“In the past, economic benefits were often distributed through patronage systems. Now the government is directly reaching ordinary people,” the minister noted.