Under the circumstances, the interim government has decided to restructure the NBR in line with the suggestions from all concerned stakeholders. The government with grave concern has noticed that some of the officials and employees of the revenue board in an unprecedented manner over the last  two months have been severely hampering the trade and commerce, import and export and revenue collection operations in an unjust and unethical manner to deter the revenue reforms operations and thus creating untold sufferings in the name of movement which is completely unacceptable. The statement said that the agitating staff have also been severely deterring the revenue collection operations of the government over the last two months of the outgoing fiscal year (FY25) alongside opposing the ongoing reform  initiatives. "This so-called movement is a pre-planned one and has an ill motive which is  also fully contrary to the national interest and citizens' rights," it  continued.

The statement said despite specific announcements from the government for considering the demands of the revenue board officials and employees, they denied the call from the government to discuss over the issue. Instead of coming to an acceptable solution to the problem through  discussions, they are continuously causing harm to the country's economy through taking a stiff stance in the name of movement. Under the present circumstances, the government has decided to announce all types of services at all the customs houses, ICD, Bond Commissionerate and Customs Stations under the NBR as 'Essential Services' for the sake of keeping intact the very urgent import-export and foreign trade operations for the sake of national interest.

"This project will help improve the quality and accessibility of public services and thus enhance public trust in government institutions," said Martin. The project will streamline operations and improve service delivery within the targeted agencies, and enhance access to reliable public statistics, crucial for transparent and accountable decision-making and policy formulation, according to a WB press release. It will help modernize tax administration and increase tax compliance, thereby improving much-needed revenue mobilization and fiscal sustainability. It will also help improve the efficiency and accountability of public spending, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of all citizens. It will develop a second generation of electronic government procurement (e-GP) and broaden its scope. The project will also help strengthen and digitize public audits.

The Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank are also preparing a development policy credit scheduled for the World Bank Board discussion later this month, which would support transparency and accountability in domestic revenue mobilization, the banking sector, data production and dissemination, public investment management and procurement, audit and accountability, and the delivery of social programmes. The SITA project will complement these activities and help build institutional capacity necessary for the implementation of these important reforms. "By taking a holistic approach covering five critical public institutions, the project will boost government effectiveness, which is a key ingredient for sustainable economic growth," said Souleymane Coulibaly, World Bank Lead Country Economist and Task Team Leader for the project. "This project and the proposed development policy credit would be complementary and provide the government both the necessary hardware and software for improving public financial management and public service delivery," he added.

The World Bank was among the first development partners to support Bangladesh following its independence. Since then, it has committed more than $45 billion in grants, interest-free, and low-interest credits to Bangladesh. In recent years, Bangladesh has been among the largest recipients of the World Bank's concessional IDA credits.

The new prices will come into effect from Friday, June 6. Earlier on May 22, the price of 22-carat gold rose by Tk 2,823 to Tk 1,69,921 per bhori, while 21-carat gold increased by Tk 2,695 to Tk 1,62,200 per bhori. Similarly, 18-carat gold went up by Tk 2,309 to Tk 1,39,23 per bhori, and traditional gold surged by Tk 1,971 to Tk 1,14,949 per bhori.

Manufacturers and importers have boosted the appeal of their products by offering instant cash discounts and complimentary gifts, anticipating increased demand during the Eid festival, said Motiur Rahman. "Quality and cost-effectiveness of our ACs and refrigerators are the main reasons behind the huge presence of customers at our showrooms," said Rafsanul Islam, outlet manager of the Hisense showroom in the Dakbangla area of the city. Most customers are showing keen interest in purchasing ACs, mainly because of the 36-month EMI facility, he added. Md Habib, a sales executive at a Walton showroom on the city's Lower Jashore Road, said they have taken preparations to meet the additional demand for fridges with just one day left for Eid-ul-Azha.

A visit to several showrooms of electronic goods in the city's KDA Avenue area on Wednesday revealed customers buying fridges of both local and global brands. Chowdhury Masud Mahmud from the city's Iqbalnagar area purchased a foreign-brand deep freezer. "It was my dream for a long time to buy a foreign-brand deep fridge. The dream came true as my son recently sent money from Malaysia," he said. Moutusi Ahmed, a resident of the city's Gollamari area, said she bought a deep freezer and a rechargeable fan ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. "The temperature is getting unbearable," she said, adding that she bought the fan for some relief from the heat. "I bought a deep freezer and a rechargeable fan this week after receiving both my Eid bonus and this month's salary, with the Eid festival ahead and the intense heat in Khulna," said Mahmud Hossain, a lecturer at Govt Model School and College in Boyra.

In response to a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) would procure 40,000 MTs of MOP fertiliser under a state-level agreement from Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) of Canada with around Tk 165.73 crore where per MT fertiliser would cost $339.63. Following another proposal, BADC would procure 30,000 MTs of MOP fertiliser under a state-level agreement from JSC "Foreign Economic Corporation (Prodintorg)" of Russia with around Tk 124.30 crore where per MT fertiliser would cost $339.63.

"Traffic congestion on the highway, inadequate infrastructure facilities at the port and delay in the unloading process at the port often cause severe traffic congestions in the port area. For this, importers of all industry sectors are facing various challenges," he added. He said, "Without improving the supply chain, logistics management and communication infrastructure of Chittagong port, mere increasing store rent four-fold will enhance the cost of doing business, as well as the country will lag behind among the competing countries as far as the logistic cost is concerned."

He added, “Other countries around the world have even longer holidays. For example, during Christmas, holidays can last 20 to 25 days. In Nepal, Durga Puja comes with a 30-day break. Does that mean those countries stop functioning? No. So, our country will also continue operating. There is no reason for concern. The budget has already been presented, and activities will proceed according to the outlined strategies.” Speaking on the national budget, Salehuddin said, “After Eid, we will receive feedback and suggestions on the budget. Opinions can be submitted until June 19. The Cabinet will approve the budget in a meeting on June 22.”

In response to a question on whether finalising everything within three days would be feasible, he explained, “We have already said that opinions will be received continuously. It’s not possible for all feedback to come in a single day — we’ve already started receiving suggestions.” When journalists pointed out that the proposed budget doesn’t appear to bring any good news for the poor, Salehuddin replied, “There is good news. Please take a closer look at the specific changes in the budget.” Asked whether the general public would feel relief from the proposed budget, he responded, “Yes, the budget contains elements that will bring comfort.”

As usual, the Readymade Garment (RMG) sector maintained its leading position, contributing $36.56 billion during the July to May of the fiscal registering a 10.20 percent increase over the same period last fiscal. The RMG exports in May 2025 amounted to $3.92 billion, up from $3.50 billion in May 2024, representing a monthly growth of 11.85 percent.

The other members of the election board are Joint Secretary (IIT-2 branch) Mursheda Zaman and Joint Secretary (WTO-3 branch) Mustafizur Rahman. Meanwhile, the election appeal board will be chaired by Md Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary (export).The other members of the board are Joint Secretary (administration-2 branch) 
Tanvir Ahmed and Deputy Secretary (export-4 branch) Md Razzaqul Islam.

The Sri Lankan envoy highlighted recent collaborative initiatives and shared updates on Sri Lankan investments and businesses operating in Bangladesh. He appreciated the continued interest of Bangladeshi tourists in Sri Lanka and expressed hope for further tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides welcomed the upcoming visit of a Bangladeshi trade delegation to Sri Lanka later this month, expressing optimism that the visit would create new avenues for business partnerships and deepen economic engagement. High Commissioner Weerakkody also thanked the Adviser for his participation in the 24th Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers held virtually on May 21, 2025. They also underscored the importance of holding the next round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at an early date to sustain the momentum in bilateral relations.

Jahangir said 85 percent Boro paddy has been harvested as some paddy in Rajshahi and Rangpur areas are yet to be harvested. Potato, onion, maize and ginger production is much higher this year while wheat production is little higher than previous year, he added. Replying to a question what measures taken for middle class people, he said, “We always talks about consumers rights but we talk a little about farmers’ right. As potato production is very high this year, consumers get products at lower prices but farmers didn’t get fair price. Government’s subsidy in agriculture facilitates consumers.” He said during the last Ramadan, commodity prices were at tolerable level compared to previous occasions due to government efforts. At present, prices are under the purchasing capacity of the people, he said.

The adviser said they have managed some 100 small cold storages for agricultural products one month of transitional period between winter and summer. “Besides, generally edible potato and potato seeds are kept at same cold storages. To reduce these problems, we are managing four big cold storages for keeping only potato seeds,” he said. He said all vegetable items cannot be kept at same temperature in cold storage that is why the government is making arrangement for separate boxes for keeping separate timers in cold storages with the help of climate fund. “We can complete the work before the next vegetable harvesting,” he said. About preserving onion, he said the country has no cold storage for onion preservation that is why the government has constructed some 500 rooms having airflow machine facilities to keep onion preserved for five to four months more than normal period. “Besides, we are trying to introduce summer onion. If we become successful, it will benefit the middle class people,” he said.

MCCI believed that preparing the budget was a bold undertaking for the Finance Adviser in the face of several challenges, including shrinking export markets due to rising inflation, sluggish investment trends, high bank lending rates, ongoing global conflicts, and the upcoming transition to developing country status in 2026. The chamber observed that implementing the budget will be highly challenging.  However, the chamber believed that effective budget implementation will require not just improved budget management but also significant reforms in tax policy, automation of the tax system, reduction of systemic revenue losses, and strengthening the capacity of the tax administration to provide proper services to the public. MCCI has consistently advocated for meaningful structural reforms in tax administration to enable efficient revenue collection, they mentioned. 

MCCI strongly urged a resolution to increase the tax burden on regular taxpayers by raising tax rates. Broadening the tax net is crucial to resolving this matter effectively. MCCI stressed the need for a proper balance between these two options. Additionally, there should be a provision for restructuring the banking sector to ensure strategic financial management, they added. The chamber also observed that expanding the tax net and increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio remain significant challenges for the government.  "It is worth noting that for the projected GDP of Taka 6,244,578 crore in the fiscal year 2025-2026, the revenue collection target is only Taka 564,000 crore- equivalent to just 9% of GDP," they mentioned. 

MCCI believed that higher revenue collection heavily depends on the digitalization of the tax system, the simplification of tax procedures, and the implementation of people-friendly tax policies. MCCI emphasized that the advance tax rate on the import of industrial raw materials should be reduced to zero. MCCI appreciated the proposal to extend the VAT adjustment period from four (4) tax periods to six (6) tax periods through advance tax (AT) adjustment, tax deducted at source, invoices, or bills of entry. MCCI believed that ensuring an adequate supply of e-invoicing systems and Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) will speed up the overall VAT collection process. Considering the current reality, the chamber stressed the importance of expanding the VAT net by bringing all eligible businesses under its coverage.

The chamber also believed that effective automation, along with integration between the Integrated VAT Administration System (IVAS) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), will enhance the efficiency of the VAT system. This will help ensure increased VAT collection and bring more businesses under the VAT net, it added. Additionally, MCCI strongly recommended eliminating the input-output coefficient, easing restrictions on the input tax credit, and reducing exemptions from VAT at source. MCCI also believed that a cashless society (paperless transactions) and a cashless tax system will help eliminate harassment of taxpayers. Budget implementation should be carried out through periodic monitoring and evaluation, the chamber observed. Given the current global economic instability, the chamber mentioned that evaluation of budget implementation is essential. MCCI believed that an interim assessment every three (3) months is necessary. "If required, the budget can be restructured and revised accordingly to address emerging issues affecting society and the economy," it added.

Fouzul, also adviser for road transport and bridges ministry, said they are taking measures to stop extortion in roads and highways. He said steps have also been taken in several bus terminals for charging extra fare from home-goers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha. The adviser said the fundamental difference between present government and other previous governments is that the interim government is working in ‘unison’ in dealing with any issue. “We are working together to handle any issue like keeping roads load free during Ramadan, keeping commodity prices at tolerable level and lessening water logging in Chattogram and stabilize the exchange rate. We are establishing such templates so that the next government can follow these in bringing comfort to people’s life,” he added. 

The analysis was jointly prepared and presented by a CPD team led by CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun, with contributions from Distinguished Fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem, and other senior and research fellows of the CPD. In her presentation at a press conference at a city hotel, Fahmida Khatun said an environmental surcharge will be imposed on each additional motor vehicle owned by an individual (beyond the first), starting from Taka 25,000 for smaller engines (up to 1500cc) to Taka 3,50,000 for high capacity vehicles (above 3500cc). She appreciated this measure towards discouraging luxury vehicle ownership and promoting environmental accountability.

She mentioned that a large number of projects (41 in total) are included in the budget for rural infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and markets to boost local connectivity and rural livelihoods. Terming the initiative as a positive move, she recommended increasing allocation for such projects. She said completion of comparatively larger projects like BSCIC Chemical Industrial Park, Munshiganj should be prioritised.  Projects like BSCIC Food Processing Industrial Park, Thakurgaon, which are important projects in the respective region, should also be prioritised to complete within the deadline, she added. She said Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP) recognises social insurance as a “contributory” and “progressive” measure.

She suggested allocating funds for piloting and scaling the National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS). Fahmida also recommended exempting the 5 percent VAT on English medium schools, saying the measure burdens middle-income families. She also gave several education-related suggestions like conducting a need assessment to update beneficiary lists for stipend programmes, reinstating discontinued stipends in FY26, and increasing the overall allocation for stipends in the upcoming fiscal year. Mustafizur Rahman laid emphasis on digitalization of revenue collection system to achieve the revenue collection target for the fiscal year 2025-26. 

He also praised the steps to protect local industries and reduce import duties on LNG, crude oil, pharmaceutical raw materials, and medical equipment. Akbar Ali noted that the proposal of increasing budget in social security allowances would significantly benefit the elderly, widows, people with disabilities, the sick and disadvantaged communities, with contributing to inclusive economic growth. He, however, said that the prices of household electronics such as air conditioners, refrigerators, mobile phones, motorcycles, and various kitchen appliances may rise, putting an additional pressure on lower- and middle-income people.

On the issue of tobacco taxation, the RpCCI president cautioned that simply raising taxes on cigarettes could backfire unless measures are taken to stop the illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes without tax band-rolls. He stressed the importance of targeting unscrupulous traders instead of solely relying on tax hikes. Akbar Ali also emphasized the need for strict inflation control to safeguard the country's growth momentum. He called for enhancing private investment by addressing the current macroeconomic challenges. Highlighting the importance of small and cottage industries, he said sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without strengthening this sector. 

He urged the government to allocate special funds in the revised budget to support entrepreneurs in small and cottage industries, which are keys to generating employment at the grassroots level. Akbar Ali also called for a special allocation in the revised budget to fast-track the implementation of mega projects in the Rangpur region. "The proposed budget should include balanced distribution of funds, transparency and accountability programs, and strategies to restore macroeconomic stability for positive benefits, economic growth, and poverty alleviation," he added.

Ahmed said the government has taken initiatives to update the existing 'Road Master Plan 2009' as a part of its commitment to building a sustainable, safe, cost-effective and environment-friendly road network. Besides, preparation of the draft 'Highway Master Plan 2040' with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank was in its final stage, he said, adding: "To restructure the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, an initiative was taken to amend the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority Act2012 and enact a new ordinance on the Bangladesh Urban Transport Authority."

As part of the government's effort, BRTA issued Motor Vehicle Speed Limit Guidelines, 2024, which is monitoring implementation of the guidelines, while initiatives were taken to amend the Road Transport Act, 2018 and Road Transport Rules, 2022, the adviser said.  He added that a policy is being formulated to ensure discipline and safety in the management of electric three-wheelers. In addition, efforts were underway to introduce 400 electric buses in the transport system of Dhaka. 

The finance adviser pointed out that the interim government carried out repair works quickly and cost-effectively using its own manpower at Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro rail stations, which were damaged during the July Mass Uprising. In addition, the project cost of the 'Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-5): Southern Route' could be reduced approximately by Tk. 7,000 crore after reviewing the DPP of the project. Currently, the construction work of Dhaka MRT Line-1 and Line-5 (Northern Route) is underway, he said.

On the other hand, products and services which will be costlier include fridge, AC, LPG cylinder, lift, mobile phone, washing machine, oven, blender, steel rod, cotton yard, cotton, plastic homeware, e-commerce sales, cigarettes, flat, commercial space, soap and shampoo.

The services covered by this relaxation include: obtaining a new trade license within city corporation or municipality areas; registering a cooperative society; acquiring a new license as a listed general insurance surveyor; issuance of credit cards; and obtaining membership in recognised professional bodies for doctors, dentists, lawyers, chartered accountants, cost and management accountants, chartered secretaries, tax lawyers, actuaries, engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Other service areas include opening a Taka 5 lakh savings account at the post office; receiving salary payments through the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) system for Grade 10 or equivalent government employees; issuance, transfer of ownership, or renewal of fitness certificates for three-wheeler vehicles; registration or licensing for stamp vendors, court fee vendors, cartage paper vendors, or document writers; and obtaining a license from the relevant authority to operate an e-commerce business.

He said subsidies for fertilizers and other agricultural inputs will be continued in the next fiscal year. In the current fiscal year, agricultural inputs and cash incentives have been provided under the 'Agricultural Rehabilitation Assistance’ program, he added. “Small and marginal farmers affected by floods have also been provided assistance from this program,” he added. In his 75-page budget speech, the finance adviser said the government has taken initiatives to rationalize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to protect biodiversity, maintain soil quality and keep the environment free from pollution. 

In this connection, he said farmer groups and NGOs are also being involved in production, marketing and extension of organic fertilizers to increase the use of organic fertilizer. The use of environment-friendly technologies is being promoted to prevent the wastage of water during irrigation, better use of surface water and sustainable use of ground water, he added.

Ahmed said an Integrated Power Sector Master Plan was prepared and under this plan, a target was set to generate 3,400 MW of electricity from clean sources by 2028. He said a project was taken to establish Eastern Refinery Limited, Unit-2, which will have the capacity to refine 3 million metric tons of crude oil every year to meet the growing demand for refined oil. The state-run BAPEX has a plan to carry out a 270 km geological survey, a 700 km 2-D seismic survey and a 700 square km 3-D seismic survey between FY202526 and FY2027-28, he added. "The BAPEX has planned to drill 69 wells and complete the workover of 31 wells using its own rigs. At the same time, steps are being taken to develop cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure to help control energy prices as medium term," he continued. 

The government repealed the 'Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010' along with forming a separate committee to review tariff structures of purchase agreements, re-negotiate them and make recommendations, the adviser said. In the budget speech, he said 40 MW of hydropower at an affordable price will be imported from Nepal during summer under an agreement of the sub-regional cooperation, which was signed on October 3, 2024.  "The construction of 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is progressing fast. We hope that it will be possible to supply electricity from this plant to the national grid by December of this year," he added. 

The government has taken initiatives to increase oil and gas exploration and production through its own effort to ensure energy security, he said. "Besides, about US$570 million in arrears for imports was paid to ensure a steady supply of fuel oil. Vehicle Tracking System devices using SFDMS technology were installed in 2,465 fuel oil tank lorries across the country to ensure transparency and safety in the fuel transportation system, which will reduce risk of theft or adulteration during transportation of fuel," he added. 

At present, the OMS activities are being conducted through 1,901 centers across the country. Under this initiative, 1.22 crore families are receiving five kilograms (Kgs) of rice per month at a subsidized rate of Taka 30 per kg. Besides, wheat is being distributed among the listed tea garden workers at the rate of Taka 19 per kg. In addition, under the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) Programme, 10,40,000 destitute women are being provided with 30-kg of rice per month. Food subsidies will continue in the next fiscal year to ensure food security for the low-income people, said the adviser. To ensure food security as well as safe food, Dr Salehuddin said various  initiatives like purchase of paddy directly from farmers in all upazilas through 'Krishoker App (Farmers' App)', raise awareness, provide training to ensure safe food and instant sample testing through mobile laboratories are underway. Additionally, an action plan has been taken to increase the capacity of food  warehouses to 37 lakh metric tons and increase the institutional capacity of tonnage and food grain management in the next fiscal year.

The adviser said in line with a 30-year Railway Master Plan, steps were taken to construct double line railway tracks, unify gauges, introduce modern signaling system, improve rail communication with seaports, and introduce upgraded locomotives and electric traction. Besides, he said, initiatives were taken to establish a new unit and to modernise existing locomotive workshops to develop assembling capacity of railway coaches and wagons within the country. In the budget speech, he said the proposed budget suggested minimizing unnecessary expenditure while under the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) the implementation cost of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link (2nd revised)’ project was also reduced by around Tk. 622 crore.

Ahmed said the in line with the interim government policy the project cost for "Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Track from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Myanmar (2nd revised)" was reduced by about Tk. 6,699 crore. On the other hand as part of the development initiatives the ‘Construction of Rail cum Road Bridge over Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat’ at a cost of around Tk 11,561 crore was commenced. Apart from this, rail communication from Dhaka to Jashore via Bhanga was resumed and train service was started following the completion of the construction of the Jamuna Railway Bridge. 

The Adviser said Mobile Financial Services (MFS) is playing an important role in building a cashless society, establishing financial governance and increasing the scope of financial inclusion. Banking services are reaching the people of remote areas through mobile financial services, which are playing an important role in sending money instantly, receiving various social safety net allowances of the government, paying service bills, receiving remittances and various financial services easily, he added. As of January, this year, the total number of registered MFS accounts in the country was 239.3 million, of which about 42 percent were held by women, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said.

He said ICTD Digital Labs have been set up in 5,000 educational institutions and ICTD School of Future in 300 educational institutions across the country. Besides, 36,020 teachers are being imparted training on 'ICT in Education Literacy, Troubleshooting and Maintenance'. Huge employment opportunities have been created through freelancing as a field of proper application of youth energy, he added. To utilize this opportunity, he said 'Upazila Service and Information Technology Training Centers' are being set up in 491 upazilas across the country to provide training to the youth. "Considering the potential of the IT sector and encouraging new entrepreneurs in this sector, I propose to allocate Tk 100 crore as start-up fund in the next fiscal year," the adviser said.

To encourage and inspire research and development work on science and technology in the country, he said, special research grants amounting to Tk 16.66 crore have been given in favor of 492 projects in different universities in the fiscal year 2024-25. In addition, he said initiatives have been taken to provide fellowships to 1,500 researchers and students by the Science and Technology Fellowship Trust in 2025. "Considering the importance of scientific research to reach the highest level of development, I propose allocating Tk 200 crore in the next fiscal year to utilize the potentials of blue economy through extraction of marine resources and its proper management as well as for basic scientific research," Dr Salehuddin Ahmed added.