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Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Sunday stated that the upcoming national budget for FY2025–26 will prioritise restoring economic stability, curbing inflation, ensuring fiscal discipline, and making public finance more sustainable.
“The main strategy of this budget is to avoid falling into a debt trap — whether domestic or foreign — and to ensure that loan repayments, along with development and operational expenditures, do not place additional strain on the economy,” he said.
Professor Wahiduddin made these remarks while speaking to reporters following a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), according to local media reports.
He acknowledged that the government is working to break free from a cycle of poor fiscal management witnessed in the past. Although revenue collection cannot be boosted overnight, the government aims to contain expenditures and limit the budget deficit to within 4.0 per cent of GDP.
The planning adviser noted that, given persistent inflationary pressures, the interim government cannot immediately withdraw subsidies across all sectors. However, he emphasised that the upcoming budget would be a responsible one, steering clear of populist spending aimed at short-term public appeasement that could result in long-term liabilities.
He also stated that no new mega or long-term development projects have been included in the forthcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP), with the exception of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port project, which is funded by Japan.
Despite some financial constraints, Dr Wahiduddin added that the government continues to repay longstanding dues to development partners and foreign contractors.
Regarding the implementation of the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) for the current fiscal year, he noted that progress has been slow. This is attributed to the interim government’s post-August 5 review of ongoing projects, which led to reduced allocations and measures to prevent fund misuse.
He also criticised several major projects — including Payra Port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system — claiming they were launched by the previous Awami League government without adequate long-term planning.