Budget 2026-27: What matters for?

A national budget contains a philosophy and the context of the budgetary disparity in income, wealth and opportunity in Bangladesh.

The budget could enhance its usefulness by a strategic ‘growth with equity’ focus. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the need for a robust fiscal framework has been felt much more than before.

Higher revenue mobilization and judicious higher expenditure are tough objectives to be met within a system that is not strong enough to implement these and withstand obstructions in the way.

Policymakers should not lose sight of reforms of the tax system and public institutions while designing the budget for the recovery. Capacity development of human resources and application of technology have to be a part of the reform measures. On the expenditure side, the growth in government expenditure will have to take the inflationary pressure into account.

In the budget 2026-27, the estimated amount is targeted Tk 9.30 lakh crore, which is approximately $75.62 billion USD (using an estimated exchange rate of around Tk 123 per USD). This marks an increase compared to the previous fiscal year’s budget. One of the persistent challenges for the government is to raise revenue in proportion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The budget deficit will need to be lowered slightly than that of the previous budget, which is set at 6.2 percent of GDP. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and competitive pressures complicate budget planning.

The government is planning to introduce family and farmer card systems under social safety net programs and increase the amount of allowances. There are considerations to raise about many types of allowances, including old-age, widow, abused wives, and disabled persons’ allowances.

Formerly, 6 million elderly citizens receive a monthly allowance of Tk 600, and 2.775 million widows and abused women receive Tk 550. Some 3.234 million disabled people receive BDT 850 monthly.

The previous government provided allowances to improve the quality of life of hijra (third gender), bedes (river gypsies), tea workers, and other marginalized groups – these may also be considered.Additionally, allocations for ultra-poor employment programs, food-friendly schemes, the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program, and the National Service Program may be expanded.

Based on proposals submitted by the Ministry of Social Welfare, appropriate measures will be taken. However, due to misinformation and statistical discrepancies, targets are often not met, and intended goals are hindered.

Commodity prices, the national budget, and the standard of living are deeply interconnected. A family’s ability to manage daily life depends on its income, basic needs, and the affordability of essential goods. When prices remain within reach, life is manageable.

However, when costs rise beyond people’s financial capacity, poor and ultra-poor families face hunger, instability, and distress. Soaring commodity prices disrupt public life, often worsened by hoarders and profiteers who destabilize markets for profit.

In today’s economic scenario, a balanced strategy is essential that links effective market regulation with practical budget implementation. Without this coordination, socio-economic progress becomes increasingly difficult.

Global economic uncertainty makes it even more challenging to implement the upcoming budget. To improve living standards, priorities must include poverty alleviation, job creation, and support for small social businesses. Rather, withoutthis life will be challenging and survival will be tough.

The budget, regardless of its structure and formulation, must be centered on public welfare. Spending on projects that do not benefit the majority should be avoided. Only peoples’ interest will be taken into consideration. Moreover, strong measures are needed to tackle global inflation. Above all, transparency, accountability, and good governance must be ensured.

If the authorities manage the market properly, it is possible to control the rising prices of essential goods. The profiteering mindset of middlemen must change. Their encouragement must be discouraged. Consumers should reduce consumption when prices spike.

Coordination must be ensured in production, import, and supply. Price hikes are nothing new, but their impacts on public life are often overlooked. Dishonest traders, black marketers, and profiteers are to blame. Hence, the government must maintain year-round monitoring. There must be vigilance in markets and public awareness.

Regular monitoring and mobile courts must be employed. Even now, politics is misused and overextended in many areas. Politicians seem to prioritize their own benefits rather than public interest. They often misuse authority, even intimidating law enforcement. In this country, politics is done over essential goods.

Why must Bangladesh rely on imports from a single country like India? There are other countries. Why not buy from them? This highlights the need for a governmental monitoring cell and mobile administrative forces.

Overall, the budget should be people-oriented. Therefore, more importance must be given to the implementation of the budget than its formulation.

Let us work toward implementation with the spirit of national development. It is the people’s hope that the Budget 2026-27 will reflect a commitment to poverty reduction, small business expansion, curbing inflation, and fostering investment and employment-friendly conditions.