The government proposed an allocation of Tk 1,16,731 crore for the social safety net sector in the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26. Of the total amount, Tk 91,297 crore is earmarked specifically for social protection programs excluding pensions.

The announcement came on Monday during the national budget presentation by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who unveiled the Tk 7,90,000 crore budget proposal through a televised address.

Earlier in the day, the Advisory Council, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, approved the proposed budget in a meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

This year`s budget proposal is Tk 7,000 crore lower than the revised budget of the current fiscal year (2024–25), marking the first time the annual budget size has decreased compared to the previous year.

Despite the overall reduction, the operating (non-development) expenditure is projected to increase to Tk 5,50,000 crore, up from Tk 5,06,971 crore. On the other hand, the development budget has been trimmed to Tk 2,40,000 crore, down from Tk 2,81,453 crore in the current fiscal.

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the new fiscal year is also lower, standing at Tk 2,30,000 crore, compared to Tk 2,65,000 crore previously.

The government has set a revenue collection target of Tk 4,99,000 crore, which is 7.6% higher than the revised target for 2024–25. Of this, Tk 4,99,000 crore will come through the National Board of Revenue (NBR), with the remaining Tk 65,000 crore expected from other sources.

Dr. Salehuddin emphasized the government`s commitment to expanding the reach of social protection, stating that the increase in funding reflects the administration’s focus on reducing poverty and ensuring support for marginalized communities.

The proposed budget is scheduled to be passed on June 30, with the new fiscal year beginning on July 1.