STAR BUSINESS REPORT

The budget’s focus on investment, industrialisation, SME development, digital economy expansion, renewable energy, and a higher tax-free income threshold sends a positive signal for business and employment, said Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan, president of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB).

She added that successful implementation would help attract domestic and foreign investment, create new employment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth.

However, she cautioned that challenges remain, including ambitious revenue targets, inflationary pressures, banking sector weaknesses, and implementation capacity constraints.

She was speaking at a press conference titled “Proposed Budget 2026-27: Expectations and Outcomes” held yesterday in Dhaka.

The IBFB described the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 as a positive and pragmatic roadmap for economic recovery, investment expansion, employment generation, and long-term structural reforms.

IBFB also reiterated its calls for the full digitalisation of tax administration, reform of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), ease of doing business, expansion of SME financing, and capital market development.

Muhammad Abdul Mazid, former NBR chairman, said policy continuity and predictability are essential for maintaining an investment-friendly environment and ensuring long-term economic stability.