The development budget for 2024-25 fiscal year, approved by the previous government, is likely to witness a major shrink as the interim government has decided to scale back many of those labeling them ‘politically motivated’.  The interim government that came to power on August 8 following the student-led mass uprising has decided to cut short these ‘unessential’ projects, aiming to prevent wastage of public money. According to the Planning Ministry sources, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) concluded in its meetings that several projects initiated by the Awami League government had not delivered satisfactory results relative to their costs. “The development budget would be smaller comparing to the previous years,” Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud recently told in a media briefing after an ECNEC meeting.  Many project directors fled after govt change; new appointments delay progress: Planning Adviser The first four months of the current fiscal year have seen an exceptionally low 8% implementation rate of the development budget, which also applies to foreign-funded projects. The Planning Commission data shows that the rate stands at 12-13% for government entities using their own funds to implement projects. The pace of government development programmes has remained sluggish, with the Annual Development Programme (ADP) recording one of its lowest execution rates in the last five years. During the first four months of the current fiscal year, from July to October, the ADP implementation rate stood at only around 8%, the lowest figure in recent years, according to the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the Planning Ministry. Its data highlights that, in contrast, the same period last year saw an execution rate of 11.54%. Specifically, for the period from July to October of the current fiscal year, the government managed to implement development projects worth Tk 21,978 crore, according to the IMED.  Dr Yunus- led interim government in its first Ecnec meeting had decided to reduce the development budget. Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said many of the previous projects were politically motivated and unlikely to yield positive results in proportion to their costs. Planning Adviser apprehends economic recession amid stagnant investment, development spending “We did not believe these would bring any substantial results, so we have cut them. Typically, the revised development budget shrinks, but this time the reduction will be more significant,” he said. Planning Ministry sources said the slow pace of project implementation is partly due to the fact that many project directors have fled. This has created significant challenges for the government in continuing the projects. Planning Commission sources said the interim government is putting emphasis on the innovative and new type of projects moving away from outdated and politically motivated ones. The Planning Adviser has instructed relevant officials to carefully design projects ensuring they will deliver multiple positive outcomes relative to their costs, the sources said. The National Economic Council (NEC) of the Awami League government approved the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year of 2024-2025 with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores. Govt prioritising quality over quantity in development spending: Planning Adviser The transport and communication sector got the highest allocation of Tk 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of allocation) in the ADP. Besides, the NEC approved some Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations. In the new ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from the autonomous bodies and corporations. With 13,288.91 crore ADP for autonomous bodies or corporations, the total size of ADP for 2024-2025 stood at Tk 278,288.91 crore.

The Finance Ministry has highlighted the crucial need for a balanced approach to budgetary allocations between recurrent and capital expenditure, recognizing their collective impact on the country's growth prospects and social welfare. This perspective is outlined in the ministry's document, the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)', which underscores the different priorities of developed and developing nations in terms of government spending. Developed countries often prioritize transfers and subsidies, whereas developing economies are more inclined towards investing in social and community services. Despite the positive outcomes from income transfers in enhancing citizens' lives, there is a pressing need to ramp up capital expenditure to cater to the increasing public investment demands and foster the creation of productive assets. Budgetary classifications broadly categorize government spending into recurrent and capital expenditures. Recurrent expenditure encompasses wages, goods and services purchases, subsidies, transfer payments, and interest on loans. In contrast, capital expenditure is directed towards building and enhancing productive assets, including developments under the Annual Development Program (ADP) and non-ADP initiatives. Sikder Group responds to allegations following ACC case against directors The trend in capital expenditure, representing a portion of the total expenditure, has seen an upward trajectory, albeit with fluctuations, while recurrent expenditure has shown a gradual decrease. The revised budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 allocated 59.1 percent to recurrent expenditures, with projections indicating a slight reduction over the next three years. Meanwhile, capital expenditure is set to rise from 40.9 percent in the 2022-23 fiscal year to 41.3 percent by 2026, reflecting an ongoing commitment to bolstering public investment. The increase in recurrent expenditure from 56.7 percent in FY 2017-18 to 59.4 percent in FY 2021-22 was influenced by various stimulus packages introduced to support vulnerable groups during the combined challenges of the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Conversely, capital expenditure through the ADP, a critical component of the budget, has experienced modest growth from 4.5 percent of GDP in FY18 to an estimated 5.1 percent of GDP in FY 2022-23. This strategic focus on balancing recurrent and capital expenditures aligns with the government's objectives to drive sustainable economic growth while ensuring the welfare of its citizens through prudent fiscal management. Eid holiday: Trade activities through Benapole port to be suspended for 5 days

Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) wants an increase in their depreciation facility from 35 percent to 50 percent in the case of import of reconditioned motor vehicles in the next budget. The BARVIDA president Md. Habib Ullah Don gave this proposal to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the pre-budget discussions on Monday. BARVIDA President said that the provision of providing the highest rate of depreciation in the first year for any product is internationally accepted. For age calculation to provide depreciation, the year recorded is treated as current as per the import policy. A tale of multiple marriages, betrayal and murder In terms of determining the rate of depreciation, depending on the year and the nature of the vehicle, zero percent for one-year reconditioned vehicle, 10 percent for two-year-old vehicle, 20 percent for more than 2 years old, 30 percent for up to 3 years old, 40 percent for 4 years old and 50 percent for 5 years old. He said, if this proposal is considered, the import of cars will increase. This provision will play an effective role in meeting the revenue targets of the NBR. On the other hand, the market for world-class reconditioned cars at affordable prices will expand at the grassroots level. New employment will also be created, said BARVIDA President. 10-year old boy killed after abduction in Keraniganj; prime accused arrested Don said during the severe crisis of public transport, the introduction of healthy and modern public transport in its limited practical scope by reducing the supplementary tariff of microbuses used to transport large numbers of passengers. “I hope that in the next budget too, the policy will favour the majority of the motor vehicles to keep the lifestyle of the people engaged in production and development dynamic,” he added. They also proposed to revise the CC slab and supplementary duty on import of old hybrid cars. BAVIDA said that since the import of old reconditioned hybrid cars has been allowed, various studies have proved both the state and consumers are benefiting from hybrid cars as they are good for the environment as well as fuel efficient. 'Unveil true circumstances of Preeti's death': Domestic Workers Rights Network The vehicle importers demanded to increase the CC slab up to 4000 CC from 289 percent to 442.60 percent. BARVIDA leaders believe that imports of the advanced technology environment and energy-friendly hybrid vehicles will be facilitated if the proposed rates are considered. The NBR chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem in response said that if duty support is given, that facility is misused. “When it is misused, the industry is affected. Because of this, we have to consider many things before giving policy support,” he said.

A delegation of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) headed by its President Professor Dr. Md Salim Uddin FCMA took part in a pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Tk 14,305 crore deposited by agent bank outlets: Islami Bank CEO The programme was held at the conference hall of National Board of Revenue (NBR), Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka on Sunday. The NBR Chairman and Senior Secretary Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem listened to the budget proposal of INMAB and exchanged views with the ICMAB delegation. Opportunities galore beckon for young entrepreneurs at Shark Tank Bangladesh Prof Salim presented an overview of suggestions that have an intense probability of increasing revenue income by imposing taxes on untouched fields on the revenue collection side. Whereas, Past President and Council Member of ICMAB Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA presented it in detail. Among others, Treasurer Abdul Matin Patwary FCMA, Council Member Dr. Syed Abdulla Al Mamun FCMA, and Fellow Member HM Mainuddin Ahammed FCMA were present in the meeting from ICMAB. Make more information on banks, banking sector publicly available: Prof. Wahiduddin Mahmud Academicians and researchers from different institutions like ICAB, ICSB, and Bangladesh VAT Forum were present there, said a press release.

The parliament passed the Tk 7,61,785 crore national budget for FY 2023-24 -- with the goal of achieving 7.5 percent GDP growth rate and keeping annual inflation at around 6 percent. Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal moved the Appropriations Bill 2023, seeking a budgetary allocation of Tk 11,10,840 crore which was passed by voice votes. READ: Budget will help to build Smart Bangladesh: Speakers Earlier today, the parliament passed the Finance Bill 2023 with some changes. Following the proposal mooted in the House by the Finance Ministry for the parliamentary approval of the appropriation of funds for meeting necessary development and non-development expenditures of the government, the ministers concerned placed justifications for the expenditure by their respective ministries through 59 demands for grants. READ: Proposed budget for FY 2023-24 fails to address macroeconomic challenges, says CPD Earlier, the parliament rejected, by voice votes, a total of only 503 cut-motions that stood in the name of opposition members on 59 demands for grants for different ministries. A total of 10 MPs, including from Jatiya Party and Gono Forum, submitted their cut-motions on the budget. They are: Kazi Firoze Rashid, Rustam Ali Farazi, Mujibul Huq, Fakhrul Imam, Pir Fazlur Rahman, Shamim Haider Patwari, Begum Rawshan Ara Mannan, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Mokabbir Khan, and Rezaul Karim Bablu. READ: It’s anti-people designed to plunder national wealth: BNP on National Budget for FY24 They were, however, allowed to participate in the discussion on Commerce Ministry and Health Services Division. Later, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury quickened the process of passing the demands for grants for different ministries without giving a lunch break. Opposition and independent MPs were present in the House when the Appropriation Bill was passed, and they did not raise objection to passing the bill. READ: Supplementary budget for outgoing fiscal passed in JS Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on June 1 placed a Tk 7,61,785 crore budget for Bangladesh for FY 2023–24, which is 15.2 percent of the GDP, with a philosophy of ensuring a hunger- and poverty-free, knowledge-based, and 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041. 7.5% GDP growth rate with an expectation of keeping annual inflation at around 6% The allocation for operating and other sectors is Tk 4,36,247 crore, while Tk 2,63,000 crore will go to the Annual Development Programme.  The total revenue is estimated at Tk 5 lakh crore. Out of this, Tk 4,30,000 crore will be collected by the National Board of Revenue and Tk 70,000 crore from other sources. Read more: Unrealistic budget won’t help overcome economic crisis: Fakhrul The overall deficit in the proposed budget for FY 2023-24 will stand at Tk 2,61,785 crore, which is 5.2 percent of GDP. Out of the total deficit, Tk 1,55,395 crore will be financed from domestic sources and Tk 1,02,490 crore from external sources.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday (June 2, 2023) termed the proposed national budget of Bangladesh for the next fiscal year (2023-24) unrealistic and said it will not help overcome a dire economic crisis the country is facing now. “The government is saying an excellent budget has been placed which would bring about change. Our controlled media are saying the budget can’t bring any relief to people.  They (govt) have completely failed to place a budget that can help get out of terrible economic crisis amid the growing price hikes in essentials,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said it is a vague budget where there is no clear indication of how and from where the money will come and how the growth will be achieved. “That is why economists are saying the budget is devoid of reality.” Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, a body of pro-BNP professionals, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 42nd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Read more: Budget not based on IMF conditions: Finance Minister Earlier on Thursday, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presented a Tk7,61,785 crore proposed national budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year in the national parliament with 7.5 percent  GDP growth. Fakhrul said the government has widened the tax net to exploit the common people. “Even if you want to beg, you have to have a TIN number now...those who are exempted from income tax will also have to pay income tax of Tk2000.” He said the government is taking mega projects for plundering by cutting the pockets of the common people. The BNP leader said ordinary people are suffering seriously as they cannot afford daily necessities due to abnormal price hikes. Read more: CPD dismisses budget's projections on growth, inflation, revenue collection  He said the prices of rice, pulses, oil, salt, onion and ginger have already gone beyond the buying capacity of common people. The BNP leader said the current government can no longer be kept in power as it is ruining the future of the nation every day and every moment. “It (govt) is also destroying our potential and dignity. That's why we all need to be united.” Fakhrul said their party wants a free, fair and neutral election under a non-party caretaker government to restore people’s voting rights and democracy. “From past experiences, we can say the election will never be fair under Awami League without a neutral caretaker government, “he said. Read more: Budget 2023-24: Govt allocates Tk88,162 crore in education sector, up 8.2%  The BNP leader urged the government to quit power with dignity before time runs out fast.  “Enough is enough, please now go away without hurting the people, Resign by handing over power to a caretaker government. Otherwise, the country’s people know very well how to unset you,” he said pointing at the government of Bangladesh.

The proposed budget of Bangladesh in the fiscal year 2023-24 has set an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GPD) worth of 50.06 lakh crore with a 7.5 percent annual growth. The inflation target was set to 6 percent which is now 9.28 percent in the proposed budget. The 7.5 percent growth projection could be deemed as ambitious given the uncertainties in the global economy and various other challenges at home. Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal explained his position on why he is expecting higher growth this time despite the economic pressures. Read more: Finance Minister unveils Tk 761,785 crore national budget “We expect to return to a higher growth trajectory and achieve a 7.5 percent GDP growth, by way of investing in the productive sectors and stimulating productivity and domestic demand,” he said. Kamal focused on investment in the 100 special economic zones and completing ongoing mega-projects to achieve the GDP target. In FY19, Bangladesh achieved a record 8.15 percent GDP growth. Then came the pandemic. The finance minister set a growth target of 8.2 percent in FY20, but the actual growth achieved was 3.45 percent, the lowest in several decades. The growth rate increased to 6.94 percent in FY21 after recovering from pandemic effects. The GDP growth further increased to 7.1 percent in FY22. Read more: Budget FY23-24: Focus should be on tackling macroeconomic challenges, says Dr Atiur Rahman  

The Parliament Secretariat Commission on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) approved a Tk337.60 crore budget for Bangladesh Parliament to spend on its development and non-development activities for 2023-24 fiscal year. The approval was given at the 34th meeting of the Commission held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. Read more: No new pay scale, govt employees to get 20% dearness allowance in new budget The budget for the next fiscal year is 9.55 percent higher than the main revised budget of the current financial year, which was Tk 308.18 crore. The meeting also projected Tk 361.23 crore for 2024-25 fiscal year while Tk 386.52 crore for 2025-26 fiscal year. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Opposition Leader Raushon Ershad, Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq and Chief Whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury attended the meeting on special invitation. Read more: Budget FY23-24: Focus should be on tackling macroeconomic challenges, says Dr Atiur Rahman Parliament Secretariat's Secretary KM Abdus Salam placed the agenda of the meeting.

Bangladesh Government employees who are expecting a new pay scale in the upcoming budget of fiscal year 2023-24, have to be satisfied with a maximum 20 percent dearness allowance (DA). Highest importance has been given to the stability of the macro economy of the country in the next budget. The prime minister will finalize the budget proposal in a meeting to be held in the second week of May, finance ministry sources said. The ministry, as per the direction of the prime minister, has set a total budget of Tk 759,955 crore for FY 2023-24. Highest allocations have been kept for interest payment and subsidy expenditure. A proposal for a special allowance has been prepared, taking into account the price hike of essentials due to the ongoing inflation, sources said. Read More: Next budget will make businesses and common people happy: Finance Minister Officials directly involved in budget formulation have confirmed that there will be no new pay scale. The upcoming election year budget is the last budget of the current government. In the new budget, there is no allocation for the nationalization of schools and colleges or the inclusion of MPOs, said officials of the finance department. Officials of the finance ministry said that government employees had been expecting a new pay scale in the upcoming budget for a long time, but the prime minister rejected it. In the current fiscal year 2022-23, the government has reduced expenditure in various sectors. Over Tk 1,000 crore has been saved from salaries and allowances (foreign travel) of government employees. Read More: BGMEA donates part of money budgeted for iftar programme to old-age home The total allocation for salaries and allowances in the revised budget for the financial year 2022-23 was Tk 73,173 crore. However, the finance department has estimated an allocation of Tk 77,000 crore for salaries and allowances in the upcoming fiscal year. The government usually announces new pay scale every five years. After implementing the seventh pay scale in 2009, the government implemented a new pay scale in 2015 by increasing the salary by almost 100 percent. Since then, government employees are getting a 5 percent increment every year in July. Eight years have passed since then and different organizations of government employees are demanding a new pay scale, citing the price hike of goods, including food, due to the Ukraine-Russia war. According to official documents, in the new budget, subsidy expenses would take up Tk 100,134 crore. The total revenue collection target would be Tk 500,000 crore, which is 15 percent more than that of this fiscal year. Read more: CPD bats for special increment for inflation-hit public/private employees in next national budget Of the sum, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been tasked with fetching Tk 430,000 crore, which is 16.2 percent more than this year. Bangladesh's Annual Development Program (ADP) has been set at Tk 263,000 crore while expected GDP growth is 7.5 percent. The estimated inflation has been set at 6 percent that was 5.6 percent in the budget of 2022-23.

“We are most alive when we are in love,” according to John Updike. People around the world celebrate Valentine’s day on 14th February as a day of love. Valentine's Day is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how much you care for your partner. However, due to the economic slowdown, post-pandemic effect, and many other reasons, many couples can't spend money to get their partner expensive gifts on this special day. Let's find out some ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day in affordable ways. Affordable Ways to Have a Special Valentine’s Day Set a Budget for the Day The first step towards saving significantly on Valentine's Day is establishing a budget. Consider what additional costs you have for the month, what bills need to be paid, and the amount of money you will have left over after paying your bills. Most importantly, after you've established a Valentine's Day budget, adhere to it! If you and your significant other have a financial strategy or objective, they will appreciate this action. Read More: 2023 Valentine’s Day Deals, Offers by Different Brands in Bangladesh Make DIY Cards and Gifts For many celebrants, Valentine's Day is about spending time and expressing affection and appreciation for a loved one. Certainly, extravagant presents are lovely, but most recipients will not anticipate them. They may even want a more personalized approach. Anyone may acquire diamonds, but not everyone has the ability to be inventive and produce something valuable. By creating your own Valentine's Day card, you may immediately save a significant amount of money. It just requires scissors, paper, and a customized, sincere message. Add a piece of handmade music, bake a delicious treat, or take it to the next level by creating jewelry from craft shop supplies. Plan a Home Dining Event If you truly want to save money on Valentine's Day, have the whole supper at home. Then you may splurge on appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages at half the price. Additionally, this creates a much more intimate and personal encounter. Read More: 10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Wife Create a customized playlist of your favorite tunes and light some candles. In addition, your significant other will appreciate the additional effort you are doing to establish the atmosphere. They won't even suspect you're attempting to save money by dining at home.