United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described students as the “gamechangers” for future Bangladesh, saying the country's progress in science, innovation, sports and global competitiveness will depend on the younger generation. “You are the gamechangers of Bangladesh. The gamechangers of Bangladesh are sitting in front of me today. You will build Bangladesh and its future. You will lead the country forward and keep it ahead in competition with other nations,” he said. The Prime Minister was addressing the Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing and Tree Plantation Launching Programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. The event, organised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, brought together students from across the country to showcase their innovative ideas, science projects and creative initiatives. Prime Minister's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was present at the programme. Addressing the students, Tarique Rahman said visiting the exhibition and seeing the projects displayed by young innovators filled him with confidence about the country's future. He recalled attending a school-level sports event at the Army Stadium a few days ago and said the combination of talented young athletes and innovative students convinced him that Bangladesh has a bright future ahead. “When I saw your projects today and remembered the young footballers I met earlier, I felt confident. I thought, yes, we can do it. A country with such talented young people can certainly move forward,” the Prime Minister said. He said the government is investing in education, sports, culture, science and innovation because the future of Bangladesh belongs to today's students. Citing that the young generation is in the centre of the government’s all endeavours, Tarique Rahman said, “We may not be here forever, but you will be here. You will build Bangladesh and lead the country in the future,” he said. He said the government is introducing reforms aimed at helping students develop a wide range of skills so that they can compete successfully with their peers around the world. The Prime Minister said the current government wants students to excel not only in science and technology but also in sports, culture, languages and vocational skills. As part of that effort, he said, schools and colleges will receive greater support for sports competitions, cultural activities and innovation programmes. Tarique Rahman also highlighted plans to strengthen language education, saying students should be encouraged to learn a third language alongside Bangla and English. Knowledge of additional international languages, he said, will create new opportunities for higher education, employment and international engagement.

Bangladesh has recorded five deaths from dengue fever in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, the highest number of deaths reported in a single day this year. With the latest fatality, the dengue death toll has risen to 18 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the 24-hour period, 124 new dengue patients were hospitalised across the country, taking the cumulative number of hospital admissions to 5,924. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths.

Bangladesh's remittance inflows crossed the US $35.34 billion mark in the concluding fiscal year FY2025–26, registering a robust double-digit annual growth, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. The data, released by the central bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department, showed that expatriate Bangladeshis sent $35.34 billion between July 2025 and June 28, 2026. This represents a significant 17.6 percent increase compared to the $30.04 billion recorded during the same period in the previous FY2024–25. In the first 28 days of June 2026 alone, the country received $2.58 billion in remittances, marking a 1.8 percent monthly growth compared to $2.54 billion during the corresponding period in June 2025. On June 28, 2026, a single-day inflow of $133 million was registered. Central bank officials attributed this sustained growth to the streamlined banking channels, stable exchange rates, and increased compliance measures that incentivized non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to channel their earnings through formal networks. Besides, Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserve position has shown a resilient outlook. As of June 28, 2026, the gross foreign forex reserves stood at $36.31 billion. Meanwhile, calculated under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Balance of Payments Manual 6th Edition (BPM6) guideline, the country's net international reserves stood at $31.73 billion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as a "life-friendly budget", saying it aims to provide relief for people from all walks of life and act as a roadmap for rebuilding the nation while reviving an economy weakened by years of corruption and mismanagement. Joining the general discussion on the proposed budget in Parliament, the Prime Minister also proposed a series of tax concessions and urged the finance minister to withdraw several controversial budget provisions in response to public concerns. PM calls proposed budget a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, equitable development “I would like to name this budget a ‘Jibon Bandhob Budget’ (life-friendly budget). Using our highest wisdom, conscience and knowledge, we have tried to present a budget through which people of all classes and professions can find at least some relief and comfort,” Tarique Rahman said. He also urged lawmakers across party lines to view the proposed budget as a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, saying the government is committed to fostering an inclusive economy, equitable development and a dignified life for all citizens. “This budget should not be seen only as the government's budget. Let us view it as a budget for rebuilding the nation. We want to build a Bangladesh where development is based on fairness, the economy is inclusive, the state is welfare-oriented, and citizens enjoy a safe, dignified and promising life,” the Prime Minister said. He also highlighted the government's efforts to recover assets allegedly siphoned abroad during the previous regime. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries seeking cooperation in tracing and recovering laundered assets. He said agreements have been finalised under international legal frameworks and several affected banks have signed more than 60 non-disclosure agreements with international asset recovery organisations. Describing the budget as one of the most important instruments of state policy, Tarique Rahman said the government made every effort to place a realistic and practical budget before Parliament. “Whatever budget we present, it is not possible to solve every problem overnight. The realities are difficult. Even then, considering all aspects, we have tried to formulate a budget that would provide at least some relief to people across all classes and professions,” he said. Highlighting the budget's consumer-friendly measures, the Prime Minister said taxes and duties on 61 essential commodities were withdrawn. He said in previous years it was common to see sudden price hikes in daily necessities before and after budget announcements often without any clear justification. “By the grace of Almighty Allah, we did not witness such abnormal increases this time. Through the withdrawal of taxes on essential goods, we believe we have been able to fulfil at least part of our responsibility to the people and provide them with some relief,” the Prime Minister said. He acknowledged that no budget can fully satisfy everyone, but said the government had carefully considered practical realities and competing demands while preparing the fiscal plan. Tarique Rahman also spoke at length about the economic situation inherited by his government when it assumed office on February 17. He said the government took charge of a fragile economy marked by corruption, mismanagement, looting of public resources and policy failures. The Prime Minister said large-scale capital flight, declining investment and soaring inflation had left ordinary people struggling in the years before his government took office. “Thousands of crores of taka were siphoned out of the country. Production and investment had nearly stagnated. Inflation had reached a level that people could feel in their daily lives,” he said. Tarique Rahman also referred to difficulties in the capital market, saying many investors had lost their savings, while foreign exchange reserves had come under severe pressure due to capital flight and wasteful expenditure. He alleged that a number of large-scale projects undertaken by previous administration had become a burden on the nation because they generated little revenue despite being financed through domestic and foreign borrowing. Acknowledging that economic challenges remain, the Prime Minister said the government has no intention of denying the difficulties facing the country. “We do not want to deny the crisis, nor can we afford to do so. That would be foolish.” At the same time, he said the government will not use the challenges as an excuse for inaction. Tarique Rahman expressed confidence that Bangladesh will gradually overcome its economic difficulties and move towards greater stability and growth. He said the budget session itself reflected the country's democratic progress, as lawmakers from different political parties and independent members were able to engage in civilised discussions on issues concerning the nation and its people, crediting the people of Bangladesh for helping create an environment where constructive political dialogue could take place. Tarique Rahman called for national unity to ensure that no form of fascism or authoritarian rule can return to Bangladesh, stating that political differences should not stand in the way of national interests. He also highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a professional, honest and efficient civil administration, saying better public services require a skilled bureaucracy operating in an environment free from unnecessary political interference. Referring to the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy, he said many political leaders and activists from different parties suffered repression, imprisonment and even lost their lives. “We are indebted to them. That is why we must act more responsibly,” he said. On constitutional and political reforms, the Prime Minister said lawmakers should work together on issues, including constitutional amendments and initiatives linked to the proposed July Charter. “Just as we can work together inside Parliament on constitutional reforms and other issues, we can also build public consensus outside Parliament on important national matters and undertake reform programmes to move the country forward,” he said. Turning to the “Teesta Barrage Master Plan”, the Prime Minister pledged to implement it at any cost, describing it as a national priority and a key step towards ensuring water security, supporting agriculture and improving livelihoods in northern Bangladesh. He said the government is committed to addressing the country's long-standing water management challenges through major investments in rivers, canals and irrigation infrastructure. “On the basis of national priority, this government will implement the Teesta Barrage Master Plan at any cost, InshaAllah,” he said. Tarique Rahman said water remains one of the biggest concerns for people in the northern districts, particularly in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions, where MPs regularly raise issues relating to the Padma and Teesta Rivers. He said ensuring year-round water availability for agriculture is one of the government's key objectives. The Prime Minister announced that the government has already taken steps to construct the Padma Barrage to store excess monsoon water for use during the dry season. “Through the Padma Barrage, we will preserve surplus water during the monsoon so that it can be supplied to farmers and other users throughout the dry months and the rest of the year,” he said. He said Bangladesh has long suffered from the absence of an integrated approach to river management, water conservation, flood control and inter-river connectivity. He noted that many rivers lost navigability over the years, affecting irrigation and water availability in different parts of the country. “I have visited areas where there is water everywhere during the monsoon, yet farmers just a short distance away cannot irrigate their land because of water shortages,” Tarique Rahman said. To address the problem, he said the government has started dredging and re-excavating rivers and canals across the country. The Prime Minister said the government plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to improve water flow, irrigation and flood management. He said around 900 kilometres of canals had already been excavated or re-excavated over the past three months. “We have received some complaints in certain areas. We are reviewing those issues and will take further action where necessary,” Tarique Rahman said. Highlighting the government's support for farmers, Tarique recalled that one of its first major decisions after assuming office was to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest. He said around 13 lakh farmers benefited from the move. The Prime Minister also said the government has introducing a special Farmers' Card to provide direct support and benefits for cultivators. Under the programme, about 43 lakh farmers are expected to receive financial assistance and at least 10 additional services during FY27, he said. Tarique Rahman also highlighted efforts to create employment opportunities for young people, improve skills development and expand overseas job markets for Bangladeshi workers. He said the government is working to send more skilled workers abroad and strengthen support services for expatriate Bangladeshis. As part of that effort, the Prime Minister said the government is developing a “Probashi Card” to help expatriates access various services and reduce the difficulties they face while living overseas. He also underscored the importance of energy security, saying a reliable energy supply was essential not only for economic growth but also for national security. Tarique Rahman criticised what he described as years of corruption, poor planning and neglect in the energy sector, alleging that domestic gas exploration had been overlooked while excessive dependence was placed on foreign companies. He said the government is now focusing on energy diversification, domestic gas exploration, renewable energy and greater energy efficiency to reduce dependence on imported fuel. “The recent crisis in the Middle East has once again shown how vulnerable import-dependent energy systems can be,” he said. The Prime Minister also said the government's broader goal is to build a stronger and more resilient economy capable of supporting Bangladesh's long-term development ambitions. He later turned to education, saying an educated and morally grounded population was the country's greatest asset. Tarique Rahman alleged that the education system has been systematically weakened during the previous regime and stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to prepare future generations for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister proposed raising the income tax-free threshold for individual taxpayers over the next five fiscal years and urged the finance minister to withdraw several controversial provisions in the proposed national budget in response to public concerns. He proposed setting the tax-free threshold at Tk 400,000 for FY27 and FY28, Tk 450,000 for FY29 and FY30, and Tk 500,000 for FY31. The budget had proposed thresholds of Tk 375,000, Tk 400,000 and Tk 450,000 respectively for those periods. Referring to the proposed provision relating to the disclosure of investments, Tarique Rahman said it has generated widespread public concern and misunderstanding. He explained that the proposal had originally been intended to spare taxpayers from complications arising because many land transactions are registered at mouza values rather than actual market prices. "Unfortunately, some people have interpreted it as an opportunity to legalise undisclosed money," the Prime Minister said, requesting the finance minister to withdraw the provision respecting public opinion. He also called for the withdrawal of two other proposed measures that have created confusion among the public – making the submission of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates mandatory for opening most bank accounts and for the registration of partition deeds and property mutations. Tarique Rahman proposed reducing the income tax rate for private universities from the existing 10 percent to 5 percent. He also sought an expansion of tax exemptions for indigenous communities in the three hill districts as well as plain land, proposing that salary income, along with income from business, agriculture and other economic activities, be exempt from tax. To boost shrimp farming and exports, the Prime Minister proposed withdrawing customs duties, regulatory duties, supplementary duties and VAT on imported shrimp feed, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and other essential inputs, as well as on necessary machinery. He called for duty concessions on imported raw materials used by local industries and requested the complete withdrawal of the 10 percent supplementary duty on imported honey used by pharmaceutical and other manufacturing industries. Tarique Rahman also proposed reducing the proposed 10 percent import duty on PVC and PET resin, widely used as industrial raw materials, to 5 percent. He urged the withdrawal of proposed regulatory duties on imported cold-rolled sheets used in fire door manufacturing, coated chromium oxide used in flat steel products, and refined copper wire used by electrical cable manufacturers. The Prime Minister further proposed abolishing the proposed 15 percent VAT and advance tax on imported fire bricks. He requested that the customs duty on unprocessed cashew nuts, imported as raw materials for the cashew nut processing industry, be reduced from 15 percent to 5 percent. Tarique Rahman also requested a review of VAT rates on gold, platinum, diamond and silver jewellery, the complete exemption of the 15 percent VAT applicable to revenue-sharing arrangements with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and full VAT exemption at the supplier level for all fish supplies. To promote domestic automobile manufacturing, he proposed reducing VAT on the local production of double-cabin pickup trucks and microbuses from 15 percent to 5 percent. On June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the national budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament, proposing a Tk 9.38 lakh crore outlay aimed at containing inflation, reducing the cost of living, stimulating investment, strengthening social protection programmes and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Detectives in a drive arrested an alleged drug trader along with 20,000 pieces of Yaba tablets from Gendaria area of the capital on Monday. The arrestee was identified as Taiyab Taher Uddin, 32. Tipped off, a team of DB Wari Division conducted a drive on Murgitola road in Gendaria area and arrested Taher along with the Yaba pills, said additional deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Niaz Mehedi. A case was filed against Taher under Narcotics control Act.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of eminent cultural personality and renowned artist Mustafa Monwar. In a condolence message, the President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members, Press secretary Md.Sarwar Alam told UNB. Legendary cultural figure Mustafa Monwar passes away The President said Mustafa Monwar was one of the pioneering figures in Bangladesh's fine arts, puppet theatre, drama and children's television programming. Describing his death as an irreparable loss to the country's arts and cultural arena, the President said the nation would always remember with profound respect his outstanding contributions to the promotion of indigenous culture, healthy entertainment for children and the nurturing of creativity.

Bangladesh showcased its growing export potential and investment opportunities at the three-day Korea Import Expo 2026 in Seoul, with the participation of 32 companies representing a wide range of sectors. The exhibition, organised by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), was held at COEX Hall B in Seoul from June 23 to 25. Bangladesh's participation was coordinated by the Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) in close collaboration with the Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul. The expo was jointly inaugurated by KOIMA Chairman YoungMi Youn, Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Toufiq Islam Shatil and ambassadors from several other countries, said a PID handout. Following the opening ceremony, the dignitaries visited the Bangladesh pavilion, which was jointly inaugurated by Ambassador Shatil and KBCCI President Shahab Uddin Khan. Under the theme of "Invest in Bangladesh: Advancing Trade and Investment Through Strong Bilateral Relations," the Bangladesh pavilion drew significant attention from buyers and visitors throughout the exhibition, highlighting the country's expanding manufacturing capacity and investment prospects. The 32 participating Bangladeshi companies displayed products and services from sectors including ready-made garments, textiles, garment accessories, leather goods, footwear, jute and eco-friendly biodegradable products, handicrafts, agro and processed food, information technology, AI-driven software solutions and logistics services. The Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) also had a strong presence at the fair. Parallel to the main exhibition, the KBCCI delegation met with the KOIMA Chairman for a dedicated bilateral meeting. During the high-level discussions, both sides strongly reaffirmed their commitment and promised to work closely together to enhance mutual economic cooperation. This milestone participation follows strategic foundational partnerships, including the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between KBCCI and KOIMA in September 2024 to enhance import-export mechanism frameworks between both friendly nations. A powerful 41-member business delegation, led by KBCCI President Shahab Uddin Khan, traveled to Seoul to anchor Bangladesh’s participation. Proving to be a highly proactive mission, more than 15 B2B sideline meetings were successfully held during the three days of the expo, linking Bangladeshi entrepreneurs directly with Korean and foreign buyers. During a reception in the Embassy on June 26, the Ambassador of Bangladesh committed all out cooperation from the Embassy to KBCCI and the delegation members in their pursuit to enhance trade & investment between Bangladesh and South Korea. The reception was also attended by Ambassador Lee Yun Young, Vice President of KOICA and former Ambassador of South Korea to Bangladesh, Ambassador. Park Young Sik, former  Ambassador of South Korea to Bangladesh and David Kim, Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh Embassy in Incheon, South Korea. The main expo features aproximately 200 booths showcasing a wide range of products including food and beverages, cosmetics, consumer goods, household products, health & wellness items, electronics, industrial materials and innovative technologies.  

The Power Division on Monday said it has instructed electricity distribution utilities and companies to closely examine complaints over unusually high electricity bills issued for June and take necessary measures to address the problem. In a press release, the it said it has received complaints from various sources that electricity bills for June 2026 were higher than those of previous months. Power supply improves as two units resume operation: Minister To reduce customer inconvenience and harassment, the Power Division said it has already directed all electricity distribution organisations and companies to properly review the issue of excessive billing and take appropriate action where necessary. The division also requested consumers who believe they have received excessive bills to contact their respective electricity distribution utility or company directly or use the designated customer service hotlines that had been announced earlier. The Power Division assured consumers that the complaints would be monitored and addressed through the relevant electricity distribution agencies.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday advised students to prepare themselves to work for the welfare of the country and contribute to nation-building in the future. He made the remarks while interacting with a group of students who came to observe the budget session of Parliament, according to a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister spoke to the students during the lunch break of the budget session as he was leaving his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to attend a programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was also present during the interaction. A total of 45 students from four educational institutions in Madaripur visited Parliament on Monday to watch the budget session. They were waiting in front of the Prime Minister's Office inside the Parliament Complex when Tarique Rahman stopped to speak with them. During the brief exchange, the Prime Minister encouraged the students to focus not only on their studies but also on sports, cultural activities and other creative pursuits. He said participation in such activities will help them develop their talents and prepare themselves to serve the country in the future. “Students should get ready to contribute to country's progress.” The students expressed their excitement during the meeting with the Prime Minister and thanked him for what they described as a memorable experience. The visit was arranged by Madaripur-2 MP Md Jahandar Ali Mia, who facilitated the participation of students from four educational institutions in his constituency. The institutions were United Islamia Government High School, Donovan Government Girls' High School, Rajoir Girls' High School and Takerhat Popular High School and College. Apart from attending the budget session, the students toured different parts of the Parliament Complex and learned about the history, architecture and functions of the Jatiya Sangsad.  

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday expressed confidence that Bangladesh would overcome its economic challenges through sound leadership and institutional reforms,saying the proposed budget is aimed at restoring stability, accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits of development reach all citizens. Delivering his winding-up speech on the proposed budget in Parliament, the finance minister said the government has inherited a fragile economy and weakened institutions but remained optimistic about steering the country towards sustainable growth. "I firmly believe that no matter how great the challenges are, they can all be overcome through proper leadership, effective institutions, an efficient public administration and the spontaneous participation of people," he said. "We want to build a Bangladesh where the benefits of development reach everyone, where merit and hard work are rewarded, where investment, production and employment drive the economy, and where every citizen can move confidently towards the future," he added. The minister thanked members of Parliament for their "long, lively and constructive" debate on the proposed budget, saying their suggestions reflected people's expectations and would help strengthen the budget. He also acknowledged observations made by economists, business leaders, professional bodies, civil society organisations, research institutions and the media, saying the government had carefully considered the constructive criticisms. Budget for economic recovery The minister described the proposed budget as more than an annual financial statement, calling it a roadmap for restoring economic stability, increasing investment, generating employment and ensuring social justice. He said the government's economic strategy centred on what he termed the 3R framework—Recovery and Stabilisation, Restoration and Reconstruction for Acceleration—to revive the economy. Addressing concerns over the government's projections of 7.5 percent inflation and 6.5 percent GDP growth, the minister said Bangladesh has inherited a "devastated economy" after years of policy failures, corruption, capital flight and manipulation of the exchange rate, compounded by recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Nevertheless, he said ongoing policy measures, public cooperation and stronger performance in agriculture, industry, services, exports and remittance earnings would support the recovery process. The government, he added, was prioritising higher public and private investment, industrial expansion, creative industries, infrastructure development and human resource development to achieve the targeted growth. Revenue reforms and fiscal discipline Responding to concerns over ambitious revenue targets, Amir Khosru said the government would not rely on higher tax rates but would instead broaden the tax base. He said tax policy and tax administration are being separated, while automation, deregulation and anti-evasion measures would improve transparency and encourage business activity. The finance minister also announced that traditional markets and small grocery shops would remain outside the proposed flat-rate VAT scheme introduced for small businesses. Despite sluggish economic conditions, he said National Board of Revenue collections has already crossed Tk 4 lakh crore for the first time within four months of the current government's initiatives. The minister also pledged stricter fiscal discipline by reducing recurrent expenditure and increasing development spending. Under the proposed budget, development expenditure would rise to 33.7 percent of total spending in FY2026-27 from 27.27 percent in the current fiscal year, while operational expenditure would fall to 66.3 percent from 72.73 percent. Managing public debt Amir Khosru said excessive borrowing by the previous government has raised Bangladesh's debt risk from low to moderate. At the end of FY2024-25, total public debt stood at Tk 21.44 lakh crore, equivalent to 38.61 percent of GDP. Of this, domestic debt amounted to Tk 11.95 lakh crore (21.51 percent of GDP), while external debt totalled Tk 9.49 lakh crore (17.10 percent of GDP). Although the current administration inherited these liabilities, it had to service both the principal and interest, placing considerable pressure on public finances, he said. To reduce debt dependence, the government plans to shift towards an investment-led economy, lower bank borrowing by Tk 6,000 crore next fiscal year, list state-owned enterprises on the stock market and expand alternative financing instruments, including bonds, asset securitisation and equity financing. He also disclosed plans to establish private investment funds in Hong Kong, London and New York to mobilise foreign capital for Bangladesh without adding pressure to the domestic financial system. Banking sector and asset recovery The minister said the government has taken a tough stance against financial crimes. By May 2026, assets worth around Tk 72,343 crore has been seized or frozen at home and abroad in connection with 11 priority cases involving alleged financial crimes. He said Bangladesh sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries to recover laundered assets, while mutual legal assistance treaties with Malaysia and Hong Kong had been finalised. Legal proceedings have also begun against six major borrower groups, and more than 15 affected banks signed over 60 non-disclosure agreements with international asset recovery firms. Addressing depositors of the five merged Shariah-based banks, the minister assured that protecting public deposits remained the government's highest priority. Individual depositors would be allowed to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 immediately from current and savings accounts, with the remaining funds to be repaid in phases. Special arrangements have also been made for patients suffering from serious illnesses, Hajj savers and DPS account holders. He further announced that the government has decided to repeal Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act, 2026 following consultations with stakeholders. "Our message is clear—those who looted public wealth will not be spared, while depositors' savings will remain protected," he said. Capital market incentives The finance minister proposed a package of tax incentives to strengthen the capital market. These include tax exemptions on income from zero-coupon bonds, lower corporate taxes for listed companies, additional tax reductions for companies offloading at least 10 percent of shares through public offerings, reduced dividend tax rates for companies and individuals, and removal of the Tk 500,000 investment ceiling for mutual fund tax rebates. He said these measures would encourage more quality companies to enter the stock market and expand long-term financing opportunities. IMF programme Rejecting criticism that Bangladesh has returned empty-handed from discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the minister said the government has voluntarily withdrawn from the previous IMF programme because certain conditions were not considered to be in the national interest. He said Bangladesh remained open to negotiating a new programme with the IMF that better served the country's priorities. Investment and employment The minister said the government is shifting from a debt-driven economy to an investment-driven one, with private enterprise, innovation and employment forming the pillars of future growth. He said the Prime Minister's recent visits to Malaysia and China would strengthen investment, infrastructure, technology transfer and manufacturing cooperation. The government's deregulation agenda aims to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, reduce business costs and transform the state into a service-oriented facilitator rather than a regulatory obstacle, he said. Special emphasis is also being placed on attracting foreign direct investment, supporting export-oriented industries, technology-based enterprises, SMEs and the creative economy. On energy security, the minister acknowledged that unreliable power and fuel supplies remained a constraint on industrial growth. He outlined plans to diversify energy sources, increase LNG import capacity, strengthen BAPEX, expand domestic gas exploration through international tenders, establish the Second Eastern Refinery and raise the share of renewable energy to 20 percent of electricity generation by 2030. He urged people to remain patient while these long-term initiatives were implemented. Budget implementation The finance minister reiterated that the budget focused on 10 priority areas, including inclusive development, quality education and healthcare, universal social protection, investment-led growth, deregulation, financial sector stability, energy security, ICT development, environmental management and accountable public institutions. He said investment decisions would prioritise value for money, return on investment, employment generation and environmental sustainability. Acknowledging implementation challenges, Amir Khosru said the success of the budget would depend not on its announcement but on effective execution. He cited global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate change, revenue mobilisation, financial sector reforms and investment climate improvements as key challenges ahead. The government would therefore strengthen institutional capacity through results-based management, digital monitoring dashboards, timely project implementation, stronger project evaluation and greater administrative accountability, he said.