Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled a Tk 839,505 crore shadow budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, proposing sweeping tax reforms, expanded social safety nets, and a shift in the country’s fiscal calendar from July–June to January–December.
The alternative budget, presented at the “People-Oriented Budget Proposal 2026–2027” event at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, was unveiled by Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon Saiful Alam Khan Milon, with senior leaders including Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman in attendance.
The proposal sets a total revenue target of Tk665,926 crore, equivalent to 9.63% of GDP, against an overall expenditure plan representing 12.14% of GDP. It leaves a projected budget deficit of Tk168,329 crore, or 2.43% of GDP. Financing is proposed through Tk67,000 crore in foreign sources and Tk101,329 crore from domestic banking channels and savings instruments.
Tax and institutional reforms
The party proposed replacing the existing Tax Identification Number system with the National Identity Card as the primary tax identifier, alongside the introduction of a “Smart Social Security Number” to expand the tax base.
It also recommended raising the individual tax-free income threshold from Tk 350,000 to Tk 450,000, with a further increase to Tk 500,000 in the next phase. The minimum tax rate would remain at 5%, while corporate tax reductions were also suggested.
Jamaat leaders argued that systemic corruption, political interference, and multiple layers of informal taxation are weakening revenue collection. Shafiqur said improved transparency and a harassment-free business environment could significantly boost state revenue without raising tax rates.
Expenditure priorities
The proposed budget allocates the highest share to public administration at Tk202,245 crore. Other major allocations include:
- Education and technology: Tk 125,575 crore
- Debt servicing: Tk 127,500 crore
- Transport and communication: Tk 65,340 crore
- Agriculture: Tk 51,670 crore
- Social security and welfare: Tk 48,150 crore
- Health: Tk 45,240 crore
- Local government and rural development: Tk 45,220 crore
The education and technology sector alone accounts for 14.96% of total spending, according to the proposal.
Social protection and pay structure
The shadow budget proposes a significant expansion of social protection programmes, including raising allowances for old-age pensioners, widows, persons with disabilities, and mother-and-child support beneficiaries from Tk 650–900 to Tk 1,000 initially, with a phased increase up to Tk 3,000.
It also recommends monthly stipends for religious service providers, including Tk 7,500 for imams, Tk 5,000 for muezzins, and Tk 3,000 for mosque caretakers nationwide.
For public sector employees, the proposal suggests implementing a new pay scale with a 100% adjustment for grades 10–20 and 80% for grades 1–9.
Fiscal restructuring proposal
A key structural recommendation is shifting the fiscal year from the current July–June cycle to January–December, arguing that monsoon-season implementation delays lead to inefficiencies and financial leakage.
Shafiqur said aligning the fiscal year with the calendar year would improve development planning and reduce waste in Annual Development Program execution.
Additional proposals and reforms
The party also proposed solar-powered cold storage facilities in every upazila to support farmers and reduce post-harvest losses, alongside stricter measures to dismantle market syndicates and stabilize commodity prices.
It further called for strengthening regulatory institutions, including the National Board of Revenue and the Anti-Corruption Commission, to curb money laundering and financial mismanagement.
Political participation
The announcement was attended by leaders from multiple political parties, including Nahid Islam, Asaduzzaman Fuad, and Tasmia Pradhan, along with senior Jamaat leaders.
The program was moderated by Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, head of Jamaat’s publicity and media wing.
