Fakhrul describes budget as creative, business-friendly

Reacting to the budget at his Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office after it was placed in Parliament, Fakhrul said the proposed budget will help the country's fragile and battered economy rebound and encourage investment.

“Considering the welfare of people from all walks of life, this budget has been prepared. It is a creative budget,” he said.

Fakhrul, also local government, rural development, and co-operatives minister, said the proposed budget is fundamentally production-oriented, investment-friendly and business-friendly.

“To me, this is the most important aspect of the budget. We have not seen such incentives and concessions in previous budgets. The scope of support and incentives provided this time is much larger than before,” he said.

Highlighting allocations for industries, healthcare and other key sectors, the BNP leader expressed optimism that the budget will help accelerate economic activities across the country.

“As a result, the economy will regain momentum very quickly. We hope Bangladesh’s economy will turn around rapidly,” he said.

Fakhrul said the budget was prepared by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury with the support of officials concerned, reflecting the vision and directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Fakhrul said Bangladesh’s economy had been left in a severely weakened state after what he described as 15 years of fascist government’s rule.

“The economy was almost ruined during the past 15 years. Not only the economy, but democratic institutions were also damaged,” he said.

The BNP secretary general also said the interim government also failed to bring the country back on track. “As a result, the country went through a period of a fragile economy, disorganised administration and severe economic hardship."

He said the responsibility of rebuilding the economy fell on the BNP government after it assumed office.

“In that context, our Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has presented this budget today,” Fakhrul said.

He said the proposed budget reflected the government's sincerity in reviving the economy and restoring momentum to economic activities.

“This budget demonstrates how committed the government is to revive the economy and bring back growth and dynamism,” the BNP leader added.

“I would call it a completely creative budget because it contains many measures that few could have imagined before,” he added.

Fakhrul particularly highlighted the Family Card programme, saying it will bring lakhs of low-income families under a social protection framework.

He said around 41 lakh women heads of families are expected to receive Family Cards in the next fiscal year. “A large amount of money has been allocated for the Family Card programme in the upcoming fiscal year, and the allocation is expected to increase further in subsequent years.”

The BNP leader also referred to the introduction of the Farmers’ Card programme, monthly allowances for imams and people serving in other places of worship, canal excavation projects, irrigation expansion, water conservation and support for fisheries.

“These initiatives have been encouraged to strengthen agriculture and rural livelihoods,” he said.

Fakhrul said one of the strongest features of the budget is the incentives offered to domestic producers and investors.

“Those who want to invest and produce in different sectors have been given incentives that were never offered before. Various tax concessions and facilities have been provided,” he said.

“At the same time, measures have been taken to protect domestic industries through duties on imports where necessary. Full protection has been provided for local production,” the BNP secretary general added.

He also praised the government's focus on what he called the “creative economy.”

Fakhrul noted that national athletes will receive monthly allowances, the government will organise the Natun Kuri Sports programme, inter-school sports competitions will be revived and scholarships will be introduced for athletes aged between 12 and 14.

He said plans to establish sports villages in all 64 districts and a world-class Creative Hub on 160 acres of land in Dhaka’s Purbachal reflected entirely new thinking.

“Culture is also being integrated into the economy. Traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, Shital Pati and Satranji products will be identified and marketed under the “One Village, One Product” initiative. Efforts will also be made to expand international markets for folk culture and handicrafts,” the BNP leader said.

He also said the budget places strong emphasis on employment generation, production growth and investment expansion.

Fakhrul cited concessional loans for small and medium enterprises, the introduction of expatriate cards, employment opportunities through high-tech parks and job creation for women through rural road maintenance programmes.

“In every sector, you will see that employment generation, increased production and greater investment have been given priority,” he said.

Referring to planned legal and regulatory reforms, the BNP leader said they will make Bangladesh more attractive to both local and foreign investors.

“Those coming from abroad to invest will benefit, and domestic investors will also benefit,” he said.

Fakhrul welcomed increased allocations for education and healthcare, saying they will bring significant improvements in both sectors.

As a former economics teacher, he also praised measures aimed at increasing revenue collection while reducing harassment of taxpayers.

“Many businesses previously did not feel comfortable operating because of excessive controls and complications. Those barriers are being removed. Businesses will now be able to pay taxes and submit returns more easily,” the BNP leader said.

He highlighted the separation of tax policy from tax administration, expansion of the taxpayer base, full customs automation, faster source tax verification and plans to build a more taxpayer-friendly revenue administration.

Fakhrul also noted that all sectors having export potential will receive duty-free raw material import facilities under the customs bond system.

“These initiatives are the core strengths of the budget. I believe this budget has the potential to bring about a landmark and transformative change in Bangladesh’s economy,” he said.

On inflation, the BNP secretary general said increased production will help ease price pressures. “If production rises, inflation will naturally come down.”

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the proposed Tk 9.38 lakh crore national budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament.

After two breaks for prayers, he completed his budget speech around 8:08pm and subsequently placed the Finance Bill in the House.

The parliamentary session, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, was later adjourned until Sunday afternoon, reports UNB.