Experts call for transparency, investment, and AI integration in FY25–26 budget at BUBT seminar

At a pre-budget seminar hosted by the Department of Economics at Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), leading economists and academics underscored the importance of transparency, efficient spending, and technology integration in the upcoming national budget for FY 2025–2026.

Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Executive Director of the Institute of Inclusive Finance and Development (InM), spoke as the chief guest in the programme. 

He stressed the urgency of reducing economic inequality through policies that ensure equal access to resources. Dr. Mujeri also called for a comprehensive policy review, proposing synchronised fiscal and monetary measures, interest rate adjustments, and tighter market regulation to manage inflation.

Highlighting that the quality, not the size, of spending determines budget success, Dr. Mujeri emphasised boosting investment, especially in the SME sector, and improving workforce skills through targeted education spending. He also proposed integrating artificial intelligence into the budgeting process and called for decisive action against non-performing loans (NPLs).

Prof. Santi Narayan Ghosh, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, described the budget as a key fiscal instrument and called for greater transparency and accessibility in its formulation and execution. Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan, Associate Professor and Chairman, voiced public expectations for price reductions to ensure satisfaction and economic stability.

Prof. Muhammad Mahboob Ali highlighted the importance of digitisation and youth employment, especially as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation and related trade shifts.

Around 300 Economics students attended the seminar, which featured lively discussions led by faculty members and student representatives.