$60,000cr revival plan to boost economy
The government is preparing a new economic framework aimed at addressing current economic challenges and positioning Bangladesh to become a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-driven growth, institutional reforms, industrial revitalisation and sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled “Budget 2026–27 in a Moment of Crisis” at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Saturday, Finance and Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the strategy is being developed under the vision of “Bangladesh for All”, with the objective of ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly across society.
He said improving the investment climate would be critical to achieving
sustainable growth, emphasising the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, create a level playing field for both domestic and export-oriented industries, introduce business-friendly policies and undertake administrative reforms.
Professor Titumir also disclosed that the government is working on a restructuring package worth approximately Tk60,000 crore to help revive long-idle industrial enterprises.
He said the initiative would focus on boosting employment and expanding productive sectors of the economy.
Addressing the agricultural sector, he stressed the importance of long-term structural transformation rather than relying solely on subsidy-based support.
He identified improved water management, modern farming techniques and strengthening the rural economy as key priorities.
The adviser further highlighted the need to enhance the effectiveness of public expenditure in health and education by improving service quality, accessibility and delivery at the grassroots level.
At the discussion, Apex Footwear Managing Director Nasim Manzur called for reforms to the tax system to encourage investment and support private sector expansion.
He proposed reducing the corporate tax rate from 27.5 per cent to 20 per cent and urged greater policy consistency, modernisation of tax administration and improvements to airport warehousing facilities.
Researcher and rights activist Maha Mirza advocated increased budgetary allocations for agriculture, emphasising the importance of mechanisation, storage facilities and local agricultural infrastructure to strengthen food security and support rural livelihoods.
Participants observed that the upcoming national budget should prioritise practical reforms to address inflationary pressures, weak investment growth, employment challenges and global economic uncertainties.
They also stressed the importance of stronger governance in the financial sector, productive investment and long-term policy stability.
Among those attending the roundtable were Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman M Masrur Reaz, former Finance Secretary Muslim Chowdhury, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, ICMAB President Kausar Alam and Dr AKM Wareseul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at North South University.
