The government has set 10 strategic priorities in the national budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 as part of its efforts to accelerate economic growth, contain inflation and promote more inclusive and sustainable development.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said in his budget speech on Thursday that the government's economic strategy places macroeconomic stability, investment promotion, production expansion, employment generation and, above all, economic justice at its core.
He said the budget has been designed around 10 strategic priorities to achieve key economic targets, including reducing inflation to 7.5 per cent and raising GDP growth to 6.5 per cent in the coming fiscal year.
The priorities are: inclusive development; quality education and healthcare for all; universal social protection; an economy driven by investment, employment and production; deregulation and a cost-effective, simplified business environment; financial sector stability; energy security; digital transformation and ICT development; management of life, nature, the environment and water resources; and transparent, efficient and accountable institutions and administrative systems.
Among these priorities, the government aims to ensure inclusive development by promoting meaningful and equitable participation of all citizens, social groups, sectors and regions so that the benefits of growth are shared more broadly, Mr Khosru said.
The government also plans to transform the education system into a skills-based, values-oriented framework while ensuring universal access to quality healthcare as a fundamental right.
Under its universal social protection agenda, one of the government's key priorities is to establish a comprehensive, life-cycle-based social protection system that provides social security coverage at every stage of life, thereby strengthening the foundations of a welfare state.
The government has also prioritised the agriculture sector to support production, livelihoods and food security.
In addition, it has pledged to promote entrepreneurship, accelerate industrialisation, diversify exports and harness technology to create sustainable employment and income opportunities, particularly for young people.
It also intends to foster a transparent, streamlined and cost-effective business environment by deregulating government procedures and eliminating delays and unnecessary administrative requirements.
To strengthen the financial sector, the government will seek to establish greater discipline, transparency and accountability across banking and financial institutions in order to protect depositors' interests, rebuild public confidence and reinforce institutional responsibility.
It also plans to encourage investment through reforms aimed at developing a vibrant and efficient capital market, the finance minister said.
The government will work to ensure a reliable supply of power and energy to support economic activity by pursuing a self-reliant energy strategy that delivers affordable, dependable and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
Transforming Bangladesh into one of the world's leading exporters of ICT products and services through the development of a technologically advanced, innovative and inclusive digital economy is another key objective, Mr Khosru said.
The government also aims to protect the country from the impacts of climate change and preserve biodiversity by turning community-based afforestation into a green revolution, mainstreaming environmental considerations in development planning, restoring river navigability, and relaunching canal restoration and excavation programmes to build a sustainable, climate-resilient and liveable future for coming generations.
Building transparent, efficient and accountable institutions and administrative systems, while promoting merit-based governance and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public investment implementation, will also remain among the government's top priorities, according to the budget speech.
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