Budget 2025-26: Realistic but lacks structural reforms, says Selim Raihan

The proposed budget for Bangladesh’s 2025-26 fiscal year, presented by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on June 2, 2025, reflects a realistic approach to addressing the country’s multifaceted economic challenges, according to Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).

Charges on bank deposits up to Tk 3 lakh to be waived

The government has proposed removing excise duty on bank deposits up to Taka 300,000, offering relief to the low and middle-income account holders...

Budget 2025-26: Whitening black money through real estate to contiue

The proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, presented by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday, June 2, 2025, retains the controversial provision allowing individuals to whiten black money by investing in apartments, flats, or building construction.

Govt transfers 252 lower court judges

In a reshuffle in judiciary, the government has transferred a total of 252 lower court judges...

Not a single reason to delay elections beyond December: BNP

There is no justification for holding elections after December, said Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, emphasising that all necessary reforms can be completed well ahead of the proposed timeline.

Yunus vows announcing July Charter on political consensus

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the July Charter will be announced by reaching consensus with all political parties. "We all have gathered here today for the welfare of the country...we hope that we will be able to prepare a very beautiful July Charter by reaching consensus with all political parties," he said.

Budget 2025-26: Tax cut on internet, mobile services proposed

The national budget for 2025-26 fiscal year has proposed a reduction of source tax on internet and mobile services which people concerned see positive for the users...

Budget 2025-26: Allocation for defence lowers by Tk 1,316cr

The proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year allocates Tk 40,698 crore to the defence sector, a reduction of Tk 1,316 crore compared to the 2024-25 fiscal year’s proposed allocation of Tk 42,014 crore.

Budget 2025–26: Import duties on artillery, mortars, torpedoes withdrawn

In a move tied to broader trade negotiations with the United States, the interim government has proposed zero import duties on a list of military-grade weapons, including artillery, mortars, and torpedoes, as part of a larger effort to align Bangladesh’s customs policy with international trade expectations.

Budget 2025-26: Health sector gets Tk 41,908cr allocation

The government will allocate Tk 41,908 crore for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, marking a modest increase aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system...

Budget 2025-26: Inflation target set at 6.5%

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed announced a target to maintain inflation at 6.5 per cent for the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, emphasising price control as the top priority.

Budget 2025-26: Products with potential price reductions

As the 54th national budget and the first under the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, it prioritises inflation control while fostering an equitable and sustainable economy. The budget includes duty reductions and VAT exemptions on various products and services, potentially lowering their prices, though some products may see price increases due to higher duties.

Klaasen announces retirement from int’l cricket

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced that he is stepping away from international cricket, as he looks to prioritise his T20 league future...

Yunus leads second round of talks with political parties

The National Consensus Commission, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, convened its second round of discussions with political parties and alliances on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Budget 2025-26: Scholarships for Ebtedayee students and increased MPO for madrasas

In a significant move to support madrasa education, the interim government has proposed scholarships for Ebtedayee students and increased Monthly Payment Order (MPO) enrolment for madrasas in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget.

Budget 2025-26: Primary education allocation reduced by Tk 3,416cr

The proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has reduced the allocation for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education by 3,416 crore taka compared to the 2024-25 fiscal year, raising concerns among sector stakeholders.

Salehuddin sets revenue target at Tk 5.64 lakh crore

The proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 sets the revenue collection target at Tk 5.64 lakh crore, which is equivalent to 9 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)...

Budget 2025–26: Tax-free income limit kept unchanged, minimum tax for new taxpayers Tk 1,000

Salehuddin projects Tk 2.26 lakh crore budget deficit

The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 has projected a deficit of Tk 2,26,000 crore, down from Tk 2,56,000 crore in the current fiscal year, representing 3.6% of the GDP...

BNP team at Foreign Service Academy to meet Yunus

A delegation of BNP arrived at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital's Baily Road to hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday, 2 June.