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professor at Jahangirnagar University, argued that gender budgeting is more about intention than just numbers.

“Yes, the number of ministries submitting reports has grown, but its share within overall ministry budgets hasn’t. So proportionately, there’s no real gain,” she said.

She further pointed to declines in access to public services, particularly in women’s mobility, safety, and justice.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, criticised the budget for overlooking the challenges of marginalised women, particularly climate victims. “Women suffer disproportionately during disasters, yet the budget fails to reflect that reality,” she said.

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Women’s Affairs Reforms Commission member Maheen Sultan also expressed concern over reduced allocations and MoWCA funding.

“But another major issue is the government’s inability to fully utilise allocated funds. This itself signals failure,” she said.

When asked whether the Women’s Affairs Reforms Commission’s recommendations could be implemented, she said, “To implement our recommendations, the necessary resources must be allocated.”