The parliament session for placing the new BNP government’s maiden budget will begin on 7 June, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury set to unveil the country’s largest-ever budget of Tk9.30 lakh crore four days later, on 11 June.
Exercising the power vested in him under Article 72 of the Constitution, President Mohammed Shahabuddin convened the session, according to a notification issued by the Parliament Secretariat on Thursday.
The session will discuss and approve the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. The supplementary budget for the current fiscal year will also be passed during the session.
The budget is being prepared with priority on controlling inflation, creating employment, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, developing infrastructure and expanding social safety net programmes in view of the current economic realities.
Plans are also in place to increase allocations for the education, health, agriculture, information technology and energy sectors.
Economic analysts say this year’s budget could become a major challenge for the government due to global economic pressure and the domestic market situation. Rising commodity prices, higher energy costs and stabilising the dollar exchange rate are among the government’s key priorities.
Important policy directions may also come regarding simplification of the tax structure, increasing revenue collection and creating an investment-friendly environment.
Public expectations are centred on reducing the cost of living, creating more employment opportunities for young people and restoring momentum in trade and commerce. As a result, the government’s economic plans and policy direction during the session are expected to draw nationwide attention.
Budget sessions usually continue for a long period, during which lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches discuss various aspects of the budget in detail. Members of parliament are expected to raise opinions on ministry allocations, implementation of development projects and other public-interest issues. The budget will be passed through a voice vote after the discussion.
Ahead of the session, the Parliament Secretariat has already completed the necessary preparations. Alongside tightened security measures, arrangements have been made to ensure lawmakers’ attendance, media coverage and smooth management of parliamentary proceedings.
The first session of the 13th parliament began on 12 March and ended on 30 April. During the 25-working-day session, a total of 94 bills were passed and 133 ordinances disposed of. Seven parliamentary committees, including two special committees, were also formed.
A total of 280 lawmakers took part in discussions on the president’s speech. In the second session, the 50 newly sworn-in reserved women members will participate for the first time.
