Coordinated reforms will be critical to meeting fiscal targets in the proposed national budget, with execution capacity seen as more decisive than policy design, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) has said.
The observation came at a press conference titled “Chartered accountants’ perspectives on the proposed national budget 2026–27,” held on Saturday at CA Bhaban in the capital.
Presenting its assessment, ICAB said the budget reflects priorities spanning economic stability, revenue mobilisation, investment expansion, employment generation and private sector development.
However, it cautioned that achieving the Tk6.95 lakh crore revenue target will require sustained institutional coordination alongside effective implementation of reforms.
The institute flagged the Tk2.43 lakh crore budget deficit, including Tk1.12 lakh crore expected from banking sector borrowing, warning that it could tighten private sector credit conditions and slow investment momentum.
On the external front, ICAB said the global economy remains fragile amid geopolitical tensions, conflicts, energy market volatility, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and subdued global trade. These external pressures, combined with domestic constraints, are adding strain on fiscal management.
ICAB President NKA Mobin said policy focus has shifted toward tax system modernisation, digitalisation, improved business environment and investment-friendly measures.
Ensuring transparency and accountability in tax administration remains central to strengthening the tax-to-GDP ratio, he added.
Attention was drawn to the Document Verification System jointly implemented by the National Board of Revenue and ICAB, described as a step that has strengthened transparency, reduced tax evasion risks and improved revenue monitoring.
Sustained coordination between government, businesses and professional bodies was emphasised as necessary to reinforce macroeconomic stability and long-term resilience.
The session was moderated by ICAB Council Member and Taxation and Corporate Laws Committee Chairman MBM Lutful Hadee.
Acting CEO Mostafa Kamal delivered the welcome address, while Sarker Nahidul Islam presented the budget analysis. ICAB Vice President Md Moniruzzaman delivered the closing remarks.
