Amid mounting economic pressure, the government is leaning on field-level administration to tackle Bangladesh’s fiscal strain.
Deputy commissioners have been instructed to intensify revenue collection and spearhead reforms in cashless transactions, industrial revival, and tourism.
These directives were issued Monday during the second day of the DC Conference 2026 at Dhaka’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Top officials of local administration from all 64 districts met with key ministries to discuss policy implementation and field-level challenges.
To stabilise the economy and spur employment, the government is prioritising the reopening of closed factories, expanding private sector activity, and doubling tourism’s contribution to GDP.
The revenue reform
Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, finance and planning adviser to the prime minister, identified revenue mobilisation as a top national priority.
He emphasised the need to expand both NBR and non-NBR tax streams, noting that Bangladesh must align with international standards by financing public expenditure through taxes rather than external debt.
Titumir argued that stronger domestic revenue is the key to increasing investment in health and education.
He, however, warned that institutional discipline and the rule of law are essential to sustaining industrial growth.
He further criticised irregular spending patterns in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), calling for a five-year strategic framework to ensure continuous accountability.
Move towards a cashless economy
Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman has unveiled a sweeping financial reform strategy designed to generate approximately 10 million jobs over the next 10 to 18 months.
The initiative seeks to stabilise the economy by addressing critical structural pressures, specifically declining bank deposits and the ongoing challenge of capital flight.
The central bank’s plan focuses on revitalizing the private sector by reopening shuttered industries and broadening credit access. This will be facilitated through specialized financial institutions dedicated to employment, expatriate welfare, and microfinance. Additionally, the Governor announced an accelerated transition toward a cashless society, urging businesses to adopt the “Bangla QR” national payment platform to streamline digital transactions.
Reviving the industrial landscape
Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir highlighted the government’s priority to reopen “sick” and closed industries, with a specific focus on the textile and jute sectors.
To drive this, approximately 50 struggling mills are being prepared for a phased transfer to the private sector. This move aims to attract fresh investment, ramp up production, and generate significant employment within the coming year.
The minister noted that DCs have proposed localised solutions, such as reopening sugar mills and establishing new industrial zones, which the government is actively evaluating.
To modernise market oversight, he announced an AI-powered supply chain monitoring system designed to track goods from import to retail, effectively narrowing the price gap between producers and consumers.
Furthermore, the government is building strategic reserves of essential commodities to buffer against global supply shocks. Ongoing reforms to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), including the formation of an advisory council of public and private experts, aim to strengthen market interventions.
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, the ministry has also implemented strict measures to ensure the preservation of raw hides and streamline logistics to prevent wastage.
A bold push for tourism
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced that the government aims to more than double tourism’s contribution to the GDP, raising it from the current 3 per cent to 6-7 per cent.
She urged DCs to take an active role in developing local heritage sites, specifically highlighting the untapped potential of landmarks like the Baliati and Teota Zamindar Baris.
Supporting this vision, State Minister for the ministry M Rashiduzzaman Millat noted that local tourism could become a primary engine for district economies.
He emphasised that achieving this growth hinges on three critical pillars: cleanliness, safety, and innovation.
The path toward inclusive growth
State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki stated that the government’s ambition extends beyond reaching a trillion-dollar economy; the ultimate goal is to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth.
He emphasised that efforts are currently underway to dismantle inequality and build an inclusive economic system by strengthening administrative and institutional capacity.
Describing the current economic state as “distressed” upon inheritance, the state minister noted that rebuilding core institutions and stabilizing the financial structure are the administration’s immediate priorities.
These steps, he argued, are essential prerequisites before the nation can transition toward sustainable, long-term prosperity.
Direct relief for flood-hit farmers
Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid has announced a financial lifeline for farmers devastated by the recent floods in the haor regions. Affected individuals will receive a monthly stipend of Tk7,500 for three months.
The minister noted that this assistance may be increased based on further damage assessments, with funds being drawn from relief and disaster management allocations.
Beyond immediate relief, the minister highlighted the launch of “Farmer Cards” to track production and stabilise the market.
This initiative aims to protect growers, particularly potato farmers, who are currently struggling with low market prices despite achieving bumper harvests.
Zero tolerance for road violations and extortion
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has issued a firm directive to DCs to crack down on land encroachment, illegal structures, and road safety violations. The Minister also urged officials to expedite land acquisition for critical infrastructure, such as the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, to ensure projects remain on schedule.
To curb rising accidents, the government is prioritising stricter enforcement against overloaded vehicles and unregulated speed breakers.
Plans are also underway to install nationwide CCTV surveillance on highways, complemented by expanded public awareness campaigns for rail and road safety.
As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, officials are bracing for a massive surge in travel –from 1.5 crore to an estimated 2.5 crore passengers.
To mitigate congestion at notorious bottlenecks like Chandra and the Jamuna Bridge, the government is considering immediate road widening and intensified traffic management. Furthermore, the minister iterated a zero-tolerance policy regarding extortion on the highways, ordering law enforcement to take decisive action against any offenders.
