Seminar at EWU highlights challenges and priorities in FY2026-27 budget

East West University (EWU) hosted a seminar titled "National Budget 2026-27: Priorities and Perspectives" to discuss the implications of the proposed national budget for the economy, businesses and citizens.

The seminar was held at the university's campus in Aftabnagar, Dhaka, according to a press release.

Professor Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), presented the keynote paper.

He said the proposed budget included several positive measures, including tariff reductions to facilitate exports and business activities. However, he cautioned that achieving an additional 18 percent revenue collection target would be difficult given the current shortfall in revenue earnings.

He also expressed concern over the rising cost of debt servicing, warning that the country could face long-term debt challenges when repayments for major infrastructure projects become due.

Professor Dr. A.K. Enamul Haque, director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), attended the seminar as a designated discussant. He stressed the need to curb corruption to ensure that the benefits of the budget reach the public and suggested introducing a nationwide cashless transaction system.

Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of East West University, welcomed the inclusion of benefits for older people in the proposed budget. He, however, said the budget did not adequately address growing inequality and suggested that the government consider measures such as coal extraction in Dinajpur to help address energy shortages.

The speakers also emphasised the importance of effective implementation of the budget to achieve objectives related to education, employment, inflation control, LDC graduation and sustainable economic growth.

Faculty members, university officials and students attended the seminar. The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which students sought the panelists' views on various budget-related issues.