A high-level policy dialogue on Bangladesh’s newly proposed national budget is set to take place in Dhaka, as academics, policymakers and industry leaders gather to assess the country’s economic outlook, fiscal reforms and development priorities.
The Department of Business Administration and the Department of Economics at Stamford University Bangladesh will host a Post Budget Symposium on June 27, 2026, aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal blueprint and its long-term implications for the economy.
The event comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as the country navigates global economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures and the need to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization. Economists have increasingly emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and structural reforms to sustain growth and ensure macroeconomic stability.
The symposium, titled “Economic Outlook, Fiscal Reforms, Revenue Mobilization, and Development Priorities in Bangladesh,” will bring together a distinguished panel representing government institutions, international organizations and the private sector.
The session will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Sharif Nafe As-Saber, Vice Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh, who is expected to outline the role of academia in shaping policy discourse and bridging the gap between research and implementation.
Among the key speakers is Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, who will likely address the role of energy pricing and regulatory frameworks in fiscal sustainability. Energy subsidies and tariff adjustments remain a significant component of Bangladesh’s budget considerations, particularly amid fluctuating global fuel prices.
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Also joining the panel is Dr. Nasiruddin Ahmed, former Chairman of the National Board of Revenue and former Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission. His insights are expected to focus on revenue mobilization challenges, tax compliance and institutional reforms required to broaden the tax base.
Bangladesh has historically faced constraints in tax collection, with tax-to-GDP ratios remaining below regional peers. Experts say enhancing transparency, digitization and enforcement mechanisms will be key to improving revenue outcomes.
Dr. Iftikhar Mostafa, Senior Agriculture Economist at the World Bank, will bring an international perspective to the discussion, particularly on rural development, food security and agricultural productivity. The agriculture sector continues to play a vital role in employment and economic resilience, making it a central component of development planning.
Representing the government’s external financing and development cooperation wing, AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, is expected to discuss foreign aid, project financing and the evolving dynamics of development partnerships.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, will provide insights from the country’s export-oriented apparel sector. As one of the largest contributors to Bangladesh’s economy, the knitwear industry has a vested interest in fiscal policies related to incentives, taxation and global competitiveness.
Industry stakeholders have been closely monitoring budgetary measures affecting export incentives, infrastructure development and trade facilitation, particularly as Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The symposium aims to foster dialogue on how fiscal policy can support sustainable development, boost investment and create employment opportunities. Participants are expected to examine both the strengths and limitations of the proposed budget, offering recommendations for more inclusive and resilient economic growth.
Scheduled to take place at the Siddeswari campus auditorium of Stamford University Bangladesh, the event will run from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and is expected to attract a diverse audience of students, researchers, policymakers and business leaders.
The discussion will also be amplified through media coverage, with Green TV, The Daily Campus and Fashion Business Journal serving as media partners. Their involvement is expected to broaden the reach of the symposium’s key takeaways and contribute to public understanding of the national budget.
As Bangladesh continues its transition toward a more diversified and innovation-driven economy, such forums are increasingly seen as vital platforms for informed debate and policy engagement.
