Business leaders welcome budget, say it reflects shift in govt's mindset

Business leaders have welcomed the proposed national budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a positive step for the private sector and evidence of a shift in the government's approach toward businesses and investors.

The observations were made at a seminar titled "The Finance Bill 2026 Unveiled", organised by SMAC Advisory Services Limited at Gulshan Club in Dhaka on Sunday (14 June).

Speaking at the event, Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Rupali Chowdhury said the budget had been well received by investors.

"The budget is really welcome. We have seen a change in the government's mindset," she said.

However, she noted that several longstanding issues affecting businesses and investors remain unresolved and require immediate attention.

"Time is running out. The issues that still exist need to be resolved quickly," she said.

Referring to the imposition of supplementary duties and other tax measures, she said certain sectors, including the beverage industry, continue to face a growing tax burden.

She also stressed that attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) would require more than competitive labour costs.

"The ground reality for companies is still challenging. FDI will not come simply because of cheap labour," she said.

Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said, "The biggest positive aspect of the budget is that it sends a good signal to businesses and taxpayers."

He warned that containing inflation would remain one of the government's most pressing challenges.

During the seminar, Snehasish Barua, director of SMAC Advisory Services Limited, outlined key changes proposed in the Finance Bill relating to income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties.

Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Sukanta Bhattacharjee, director of SMAC Advisory Services Limited, and senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) also spoke at the event.