Sangsad Bhaban, April 23 (V7N) — Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today reaffirmed the government’s goal of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 and projecting it as a developed, self-dignified nation on the global stage.  

Presenting the second-quarter budget implementation report for FY2025–26 in parliament, the minister said continuity, institutional capacity, good governance, and an investment-friendly environment are crucial to overcoming prevailing economic challenges.  

He noted that initiatives have been undertaken to liberalize and deregulate the economy, restore discipline in the financial sector, and facilitate ease of doing business. “Opportunities have been created to place the economy on a stronger footing through enhancing revenue mobilization, diversifying exports, expanding skill- and technology-driven production, and encouraging new investments,” he said.  

Khosru said reforms are underway to reinforce governance in the banking sector, reduce non-performing loans, and introduce risk-based supervision mechanisms. These measures, he added, are expected to enhance stability and transparency, supporting sustainable long-term growth.  

Citing IMF projections, he said global GDP growth is expected to reach 3.3 percent in 2025, with emerging Asian economies leading at around 5 percent. Inflation, which peaked at 8.7 percent in 2022, is projected to decline to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.8 percent in 2026.  

However, he cautioned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could disrupt this outlook, with ADB estimates suggesting global growth may fall by up to 0.9 percentage points. Rising fuel and fertilizer prices pose risks to Bangladesh’s energy security and inflation management, he said.  

Revenue collection grew by 13.6 percent in the second quarter of FY26, compared to 4.7 percent a year earlier. Expenditure rose by 14.1 percent, while ADP implementation reached 13.56 percent of allocation. Foreign exchange reserves climbed to $33.19 billion in December 2025, up from $26.22 billion a year earlier.  

Inflation declined to 8.77 percent in December 2025 from 10.34 percent a year earlier. The minister expressed hope that contractionary monetary policy, prudent spending, and supportive fiscal measures will bring inflation down to 7 percent by year-end, with further declines projected in subsequent years.  

Khosru said the government is prioritizing an investment- and export-led growth strategy, including deregulation, expedited approvals, improved access to land and energy, and stronger investor protections. Digital one-stop services under BIDA are being expanded to simplify licensing.  

Expressing optimism, he said Bangladesh’s strong fundamentals — a large workforce and expanding industrial capacity — will support recovery and long-term growth. “With collective public support and pragmatic government initiatives, it is possible to build a sustainable, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh,” he said.  

END/AJ/RH