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The upcoming budget will also focus on marginalised groups.

“These deprived people cannot be excluded indefinitely by citing budget constraints. We have to start with them,” he said, signalling continued support for social protection programmes.

The government is looking to diversify exports, offering incentives to new sectors similar to those for apparel exporters. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s LDC graduation process is progressing through the UN, though the minister refrained from definitive comments pending decisions at the UN Economic and Social Council and General Assembly levels.

The government is also engaging development partners as part of efforts to navigate the ongoing economic strain.