Economists urge tariff, investment and revenue reforms at NSU dialogue
Economists and industry leaders called for lower tariffs, stronger private investment, greater budget accountability and more spending on health and human capital at a policy dialogue on Bangladesh's national budget for FY2026–27.
The Young Economists' Forum (YEF) of North South University (NSU) organised the event, titled "Beyond the Budget", on Friday. According to a press release, the forum marked its return to policy dialogue after eight years.
Economists, policymakers, academics, industry leaders and students attended the programme, which brought together diverse voices on the national budget.
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Dr Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of PRI and chief guest at the event, called for greater trade openness, saying the country's high tariff barriers worked against exporters. He said reducing those barriers would be crucial as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least-developed country status.
Mominul Islam, Chairman of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, warned that the economy could face serious difficulties unless reforms were implemented quickly. He pointed to weakening private investment and economic growth that had failed to generate sufficient employment.
Dr M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director of RAPID, highlighted weaknesses in accountability surrounding budgetary revenue planning and collection.
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of CPD, examined the garment industry's dependence on trade benefits and subsidies.
Dr Atonu Rabbani, Research Director (General Economic Division) of BIDS, called for greater investment in people and healthcare, rather than short-term measures, in successive budgets.
Dr Sakib Bin Amin, Professor at NSU, discussed the importance of a stable and affordable electricity supply for maintaining the country's industrial momentum.
Dr Syed Mortuza Asif Ehsan, Chair of the Economics Department at NSU, moderated the discussion.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, PhD, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, stressed the importance of education and underutilised sectors such as the blue economy.
Dr AKM Waresul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, discussed the rise in non-performing loans.
A question-and-answer session with students followed, covering trade, foreign direct investment and healthcare reform.
The event also featured the launch of "Chronicle '26", one of YEF's flagship student-written magazines on the national budget.
YEF members also presented budget-related artworks at an exhibition titled "Budget Through Your Lens".
Mohammad Sharafat Alam, Acting President and General Secretary of the Forum, and Nazneen Imam, Faculty Advisor and Lecturer at NSU, delivered the closing remarks.
They also announced EconProdigy 8.0, YEF's upcoming flagship policymaking competition.
