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Experts from the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) under the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, have made several key recommendations to the government aimed at reforming the national budget process.
The recommendations were placed during a policy dialogue titled "Pathway Towards Budget Reform 2025-26" held on Saturday at 11:30 am at Dr Abdullah Farouk Auditorium on the campus.
The event focused on fostering inclusive and evidence-based discussions in the lead-up to the upcoming national budget announcement.
The expert panel highlighted several major reform priorities, including increased investment in education and health to strengthen human capital development; enhanced focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to create a skilled workforce; expansion of employment generation programmes, particularly targeting youth and marginalised communities and poverty reduction through improved social safety net targeting and efficiency.
Besides, they recommended reforms in the financial sector to drive innovation, accountability, and access to financial services; revision of income tax brackets to promote a more progressive and equitable tax system; emphasis on fiscal transparency, digital governance, and youth engagement in the budgetary process and integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into fiscal policy planning and implementation.
The dialogue was moderated by Professor Dr ABM Shahidul Islam, director of the Bureau of Business Research. In his opening remarks, he underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in shaping national policy through data-driven insights and inclusive engagement.
Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice chancellor of Dhaka University, attended the event as the chief guest. She emphasised the importance of participatory budgeting and aligning fiscal policies with the country's long-term development goals.
Distinguished panelists included Mr Shaiful Hossain, columnist and economic analyst, and Wasik Sadik Khan, lecturer at DU, who offered thought-provoking insights on tax reform, strategic investments, and budgetary priorities.
Final-year economics students Saihindi Islam Mahim, Tasin Ahmad, Zarin Tasnim Raisa, and Mumtaheen Shamsia Praptee also made a presentation outlining policy suggestions centered on fiscal transparency, equity in public spending, digital governance, youth participation, and SDG integration.
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