The government has identified 10 major sectors as top priorities in the proposed budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with a focus on building a non-discriminatory and inclusive economy.
The development strategy for the upcoming fiscal year centers on development, education, healthcare, social security, investment, agriculture, the financial sector, energy, information technology and environmental management.
The priorities were outlined in Parliament on Thursday by Finance Minister Amir Khusru Mahmud Chowdhury while presenting the national budget. He said the government aims to ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society and all regions equally, thereby promoting a participatory and inclusive economic model.
Focus on education and skills development
The budget places strong emphasis on practical, skills-based and value-oriented education. It outlines plans to expand education and training programmes to develop a skilled workforce aligned with labour market demands.
Commitment to universal healthcare
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring quality and universal healthcare services for all citizens. Healthcare has been recognized as a fundamental right, with measures aimed at improving service quality, accessibility and affordability.
Strengthening social protection
A life-cycle-based social protection framework is planned to ensure security for citizens at every stage of life, from childhood to old age. The government aims to strengthen the foundation of a welfare state through expanded social safety coverage.
Industrial growth and employment generation
The budget prioritizes planned industrialization, export diversification and the expansion of technology-driven economic activities to create entrepreneurship opportunities and boost employment. Agriculture has also been identified as a strategic sector for production, livelihoods and national food security.
Improving the business environment
To facilitate investment and private sector growth, the government plans to pursue deregulation measures. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying public services, it aims to create a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly environment.
Financial sector reforms
The budget outlines initiatives to restore discipline, transparency and accountability in the banking and financial sectors to rebuild depositor confidence. Reforms in the capital market are also expected to encourage investment.
Energy security
Energy security has been identified as a key priority to ensure uninterrupted electricity and fuel supply for industrial and production continuity. The focus will also be on developing affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy systems.
Strengthening ICT exports
The government aims to position Bangladesh as a leading global ICT exporter. Initiatives will focus on expanding digital infrastructure, innovation, and technological inclusion to support a growing digital economy.
Importance on climate and environmental protection
Measures will be taken to mitigate the impacts of climate change, conserve biodiversity and expand community-based afforestation programmes. Plans also include restoring river navigability and reviving canal excavation projects.
Efficient public administration
The budget emphasizes building a merit-based, efficient and accountable public administration system, along with improving the implementation capacity of development projects to enhance public service delivery.
Analysts say that if implemented effectively, these priorities could help address structural weaknesses in the economy and support long-term sustainable growth, job creation and inequality reduction. However, they caution that outcomes will depend on governance quality, execution capacity and adequate financing.
