Startups and Science Spotlighted in Streamlined Budget
In a bid to encourage innovation and nurture new entrepreneurs in the technology sector, the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 has allocated BDT 1 billion (Tk 100 crore) as a dedicated startup fund. The announcement was made by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed during a virtual budget presentation broadcast by Bangladesh Television on Monday, June 2.
“I propose the formation of a special fund of Tk 100 crore to foster young entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Ahmed, highlighting the government’s focus on promoting the potential of the ICT sector.
To advance scientific research and promote development in science and technology, the government provided special research grants amounting to approximately BDT 166.6 million (Tk 16.66 crore) to 492 university projects during the 2024–25 fiscal year.
Additionally, the budget proposes an allocation of BDT 2 billion (Tk 200 crore) to support research in fundamental sciences and the sustainable exploitation of marine resources—an effort aimed at harnessing the country’s blue economy potential.
As part of its broader digital and educational development agenda, the government has already established ICTD digital labs in 5,000 educational institutions and ICTD Schools of the Future in 300 schools across the country. Furthermore, “Upazila Service and ICT Training Centers” are under construction in 491 upazila complex premises to provide skill-based training to young men and women.
The total size of the proposed national budget for FY 2025–26 stands at BDT 7.89999 trillion (Tk 7,89,999 crore), which is BDT 70 billion (Tk 7,000 crore) less than the previous fiscal year—marking a historic reduction in the country’s budget for the first time.
The budget targets a GDP growth rate of 5.6 percent, with a deficit of BDT 2.66 trillion (Tk 2,66,000 crore), accounting for 3.6 percent of the total budget. Inflation is projected at 6.5 percent, and the Annual Development Programme (ADP) has been proposed at BDT 2.3 trillion (Tk 2,30,000 crore). The proposed framework reflects what the interim government describes as a contractionary budget.
