Bangladesh Budget 2025–26: A Bold Step Toward a Technology-Driven Future
Bangladesh: The national budget for fiscal year 2025–26, presented by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology, outlines an ambitious roadmap aimed at economic revival, reform in governance, and widespread development, with special focus on ICT.
A key highlight of this budget is the strong emphasis on technology—not only through significant investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and scientific research, but also via the integration of digital tools across public services, education, and administrative processes.
Substantial allocations have been directed toward the ICT Division, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and other related agencies to expand digital infrastructure, cultivate skilled tech professionals, and promote entrepreneurship.
The budget also aims to advance mobile financial services, enhance e-governance, and strengthen research and innovation—all signaling a drive to transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based economy.
Boosting Digital Infrastructure
For the fiscal year 2025–26, the ICT Division has been allocated BDT 2,144 crore—an increase of about BDT 140 crore compared to the previous year.
According to Adviser Salehuddin, digital labs have been installed in 5,000 schools, while “School of the Future” ICT classrooms have been established in 300 colleges, introducing students to emerging technologies such as robotics and coding.
Under the Secondary and Higher Education Division, BDT 1,957 crore has been earmarked for 62 ongoing projects aimed at upgrading educational infrastructure.
These include setting up digital classrooms, labs, and incubation centers at prominent institutions like Dhaka University, BUET, and Jashore Science and Technology University to equip students with digital competencies needed for the modern economy.
Towards a Cashless, Digital Economy
The budget also prioritizes building a cashless society and enhancing e-governance. As of January 2025, Bangladesh has approximately 239.3 million registered mobile financial service (MFS) accounts, with women holding 42% of them.
The new budget supports expanding the use of MFS for services like remittances, utility payments, and government benefits.
To further facilitate digital transactions, the “A-Challan” system now links 61 commercial banks, allowing citizens to pay government dues online using internet banking, debit cards, or MFS.
Moreover, the iBAS++ electronic fund transfer platform ensures that payments—including salaries for 1.4 million public employees and various social benefits—are deposited directly into bank accounts.
A draft regulation on e-money is in development to foster a secure and competitive fintech environment.
Streamlined Investment and Governance
The government aims to make doing business easier with digital services. Platforms like the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW) under the National Board of Revenue and the One-Stop Service (OSS) portal under BIDA allow companies to apply for licenses and permits online. Currently, the OSS portal provides 134 services from 43 organizations, and efforts are underway to include all investment-related services in the platform.
Developing Skills for a Digital Future
Acknowledging that skilled human resources are essential to any digital transformation, the government is investing in training and education.
Along with expanding computer labs, training will continue for 36,020 teachers in areas such as ICT in education and technical maintenance. In rural areas, 491 Upazilas will host Service and IT Training Centers to support local youth.
To promote freelancing and digital entrepreneurship, training programs for 28,800 educated but unemployed youths are ongoing across 48 districts.
Additionally, loan ceilings for trained individuals have been raised—up to Tk 200,000 for new participants and up to Tk 500,000 for successful young entrepreneurs—with the aim of reaching 9 lakh young people by 2028.
Dedicated Start-up and Youth Empowerment Funds
To encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, the budget proposes a BDT 100 crore start-up fund for the next fiscal year, marking the first such initiative in Bangladesh. A second BDT 100 crore fund will specifically support young entrepreneurs.
The government also plans to celebrate youth involvement through the “Tarunyer Utshob” (Youth Festival), with a proposed allocation of BDT 100 crore. These steps aim to leverage Bangladesh’s youthful population to drive national development.
Additionally, through a recently signed MoU with NASA under the Artemis program, Bangladeshi students will have the chance to participate in global space exploration activities, alongside 54 other nations—offering significant inspiration and opportunity in STEM fields.
Strengthening Science and Research
In FY 2024–25, around Tk 16.66 crore in research grants were awarded to 492 university projects, and 1,500 fellowships were given to researchers.
For FY 2025–26, the government has allocated Tk 200 crore specifically for research in marine resources, blue economy, and fundamental sciences.
Technology for Energy, Environment and Sustainability
As part of its sustainable development vision, the government is finalizing an updated Renewable Energy Policy targeting 30% clean energy generation by 2040. Under the Integrated Power Sector Master Plan, Bangladesh plans to add 3,400 MW of renewable energy by 2028.
To boost energy independence, BAPEX will intensify exploration activities, conducting geological surveys and seismic mapping across hundreds of kilometers.
Over the next three years, 69 new wells will be drilled and 31 existing wells refurbished, reducing reliance on imported energy.
In logistics, a Smart Fuel Distribution Monitoring System (SFDMS) will be implemented in 2,465 fuel lorries, helping track delivery and curb fuel theft.
Environmental efforts also receive a tech upgrade, with BDT 100 crore allocated to the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund for digital monitoring of climate projects. Initiatives to reduce plastic use and expand forestation are also supported.
Conclusion
The FY 2025–26 budget puts forward a holistic, tech-forward strategy for national development. It balances investment in digital infrastructure—like computer labs and energy systems—with human capital initiatives such as teacher training, youth programs, and start-up funding.
By focusing on mobile finance, digital governance, scientific research, and renewable energy, the government aims to reduce import dependence, drive innovation, and create job opportunities.
Implementation will be key, but this budget clearly reflects a commitment to positioning technology at the heart of Bangladesh’s development journey.
