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Dhaka, June 2, 2025: The proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget includes measures to reduce the prices of essential commodities such as sugar, soybean oil, onions, rice, wheat, potatoes, garlic, peas, chickpeas, lentils, ginger, turmeric, dried chilies, corn, coarse flour, flour, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nuts, cloves, dates, cassia leaves, computers and their parts, and all types of fruits. The announcement was made by Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday at 3:00 PM during the budget presentation.
In his budget speech, the Finance Advisor revealed that the source tax on letters of credit (LCs) for importing essential commodities has been reduced from 1% to 0.5%. He stated, “The source tax does not significantly impact revenue collection or commodity prices. However, some traders use it as an excuse to inflate prices. Considering this, we have decided to halve the source tax in the upcoming budget to keep essential commodity prices affordable.” This measure is expected to lower the prices of the listed items, providing relief to the general public.
This marks the 54th national budget of Bangladesh and the first under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Due to the absence of a parliament, the budget was broadcast simultaneously on state-run BTV and private media channels. Earlier in the day, the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, approved the proposed budget and the Finance Bill for the 2025-26 fiscal year at a meeting held at the Chief Advisor’s office.
Tax and customs-related provisions of the budget will take effect from June 2, while the full budget will come into force on July 1. The President is scheduled to sign the budget ordinance on June 30.
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