The post-budget dinner for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been cancelled on the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as part of the government’s austerity measures.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the decision is expected to save around Tk 50 lakh.
Every year, following the passage of the national budget, the Ministry of Finance hosts a dinner at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, attended by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet members, MPs, senior officials and journalists.
Ruman said the cancellation reflects efforts to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
He also said that during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spent an average of Tk30 to Tk55 crore annually on hospitality for officials and staff, with an additional Tk10 to Tk12 crore in supplementary spending each year.
Citing official figures, he noted that in the 2018–19 fiscal year alone, expenditure under this head stood at Tk302,297,335.
He said the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation supplied food for PMO officials and staff during that period, adding that a significant portion of the dues remains unpaid, which the current government is now clearing in phases.
After the completion of voting on various demands for grants, the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year was unanimously passed in Parliament on Tuesday.
The Additional Press Secretary further said that since taking office, Tarique Rahman has reduced hospitality expenditure. He added that this month, hospitality costs for PMO officials and staff amounted to Tk1,100,069.
He also said around Tk90 lakh was spent on hospitality during two Eid receptions held at the state guest house Jamuna.
Tarique added that the prime minister remained actively engaged throughout the budget session in Parliament, arriving at 9:45am and participating in proceedings, including voting on demands for grants and legislative business.
During breaks, he said, the Prime Minister also carried out official duties and signed urgent files.
On 11 June, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament.
