In a high-level special session convened at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the Bangladesh Cabinet has formally sanctioned the proposed national budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year. This pivotal meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina within the Cabinet Room of the parliamentary complex, serves as a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to revitalise a national economy still navigating the complex aftershocks of the global pandemic.
The Finance Minister, AHM Mustafa Kamal, alongside an assembly of senior ministers and state ministers, participated in the deliberations to finalise a fiscal blueprint designed to invigorate growth while confronting an increasingly volatile international landscape. Later this afternoon, Mr Kamal is scheduled to unveil a substantial Taka 6,78,064 crore budget, representing a bold statement of fiscal intent amidst a precarious global climate.
The primary challenge for the government in the coming year remains the formidable task of taming inflationary pressures. With global commodity markets suffering from significant price spikes and supply chain constraints, the Finance Minister’s fourth consecutive budget is expected to focus heavily on price stability and domestic production. The “unfavourable global economic situation” mentioned by officials highlights the twin pressures of post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical tensions, which have collectively increased the costs of fuel, fertiliser, and essential food imports.
From a historical perspective, this marks the 51st national budget presented since Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971. It is also a significant milestone for the ruling Awami League, representing the 23rd budget presented under its various terms in office and the fourth since the general election of 30 December 2018. The budget session is set to commence at 3:00 pm, where the Finance Minister will provide a granular breakdown of sectoral allocations and revenue targets.
The following table outlines the key administrative and historical parameters of the upcoming fiscal presentation:
| Feature | Details and Context |
| Total Proposed Outlay | Taka 6,78,064 Crore |
| Fiscal Year | 2022-2023 (FY23) |
| National Sequence | 51st Budget since Independence |
| Awami League Sequence | 23rd Budget across five terms |
| Primary Economic Focus | Inflation control and pandemic recovery |
| Lead Presenter | Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal |
This fiscal plan is widely viewed as a “test of fortitude” for the current government, as it seeks to balance ambitious developmental goals with the necessity of protecting the purchasing power of its citizenry. By prioritising social safety nets and agricultural subsidies, the administration hopes to insulate the domestic economy from the harshest effects of the ongoing global recession.