NCP calls budget unrealistic, warns of larger deficit

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has criticised the proposed national budget for FY2026-27, describing it as overly ambitious and disconnected from current economic realities.

Reacting to the budget on Thursday, Atik Mujahid, MP for Kurigram-2 and chief of the party's Shadow Budget Committee, said the government's revenue target was unrealistic under prevailing economic conditions and warned that the actual budget deficit could be significantly higher than projected.

"The government has projected a budget deficit of more than Tk 2.5 trillion, but in reality the deficit could reach nearly Tk 4.5 trillion," he said.

According to him, the proposed revenue collection target of Tk 6.95 trillion is unlikely to be achieved, with the shortfall potentially exceeding Tk 2.0 trillion.

"If the actual figures are taken into account, this could become the largest deficit budget in Bangladesh's history."

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for FY2026-27 in parliament, outlining a strategy focused on economic stabilisation and fiscal reforms.

The budget is the first to be presented by the BNP-led government since it assumed office following the general election held on February 12.

The cabinet approved the budget at a special meeting held at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban before its presentation in Parliament.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com