DHAKA, June 22, 2025 (BSS) - The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) today laid emphasis on implementing the national budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) in an efficient manner. 

The private think tank observed that a mid-term review of the implementation status and necessary corrections should be performed by the interim government to enhance transparency and accountability. 

CPD made the observation at the "CPD Budget Dialogue 2025" at a hotel in the city. 

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman, Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC); Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA); Syed Abu Naser Bukhtear Ahmed, Chairman, Agrani Bank PLC and Showkat Aziz Russell, President, BTMA, were present as guests of honour.

Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, delivered the keynote presentation while Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD, chaired the session.

Dr Fahmida Khatun said several positive initiatives were proposed in the budget for FY26, including tax reliefs, allocations and incentives for various sectors, and higher taxation for harmful activities.

"On a welcome note, tax-free income of July Warriors has been set at Taka 5.25 lakh. Fixing of minimum tax of one thousand taka for new taxpayers is a welcome initiative to broaden the tax base," she added.

In a positive move, she said, the interim government has increased the total allocation for ministries that focus on youth and employment generation. 

"Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) received Taka 2,423 crore (53.2% higher than the RBFY25). Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) received Taka 438 crore (26.6% higher than RBFY25). MoYS will receive its highest ever allocation in BFY26, both in terms of amount and budget share (0.307%)," she added.