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Dhaka, June 2, 2025 – The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has termed the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 as 'business-friendly and investment-unfriendly'. According to them, this budget will not be helpful enough to stabilize the country's economy and increase investment. DCCI President Asif Ibrahim made this comment while giving their official reaction to the proposed budget at a press conference held at the Dhaka Chamber Building in Motijheel on Monday (June 2).
Asif Ibrahim said in his speech, "We have analyzed the proposed budget and found that it lacks the kind of policy support and conducive environment that was needed for business and investment. Especially in the current economic situation where investment growth is very important, the budget has not been able to meet those expectations."
DCCI's main objections:
1. Revenue targets and tax burden: The DCCI President criticized the setting of ambitious targets for revenue collection. He said, "If the revenue target is not realistic, it becomes difficult for the government to implement development projects. In addition, the tax burden has been increased on various new products, which will increase the cost of production and hinder industrial development."
2. Inflation control: DCCI believes that there is no specific effective direction in the budget to control inflation. Asif Ibrahim said, "People's purchasing power is decreasing, the cost of living is increasing. This budget does not show any strong strategy to control inflation."
3. Investment attraction: It has been alleged that there is no special incentive or policy support in the budget to attract domestic and foreign investment. He said, "A stable and predictable environment is required for investment, which is absent in this budget. The confidence required for long-term investment is not being created."
4. Budget deficit and debt management: DCCI also expressed concern about the government's dependence on debt to meet the proposed budget deficit. "The government's additional borrowing from the banking sector to meet the budget deficit will put pressure on private sector investment," said Asif Ibrahim.
5. Employment Creation: DCCI has commented that the budget has not given enough emphasis on creating new jobs for the youth. According to them, new industries will not be established due to lack of investment, which will create a major obstacle in employment creation.
However, some positive aspects have also been mentioned, such as subsidies in the agricultural sector and expansion of social security programs. But overall, DCCI believes that this budget will not be able to play a strong enough role in addressing the current global and domestic economic challenges.
Dhaka Chamber has urged the government to reconsider its proposals before finalizing the budget. They believe that if business and investment-friendly policies can be adopted, the country's economy will become more dynamic and overall growth will be ensured.
