Sectoral Shifts: Science Surges, Telecom Tapers in New Budget
Facing the stark realities of the national economy, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed presented the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on Monday, June 2. The budget, totaling Tk 7.90 trillion, is Tk 70 billion less than the previous year’s original budget—marking the first such contraction in recent years.
Among sector-wise allocations, the Ministry of Science and Technology received a substantial allocation of Tk 1,21,545.30 crore, positioning it as one of the top-funded sectors in the upcoming fiscal year.
However, the allocation for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector reflects a more restrained approach. The proposed allocation for the ICT sector stands at Tk 17,393.20 crore—an increase of Tk 249.10 crore from the revised budget of the previous fiscal year, but relatively modest considering the sector’s growing role in the digital economy.
In contrast, the telecommunications sector witnessed a sharp reduction. The proposed budget allocates Tk 904.81 crore to the telecom sector, a significant drop of Tk 2,649 crore compared to the revised budget for FY 2024–25.
These figures were revealed from the ministry-wise allocations presented as part of the national budget proposal.
As the government aims to balance fiscal discipline with sectoral development, the marked disparities in allocations signal shifting priorities—with science and technology taking center stage while ICT and telecom brace for leaner resources in the coming year.
