The government has identified inflation as the foremost challenge for the economy in the coming days, like it has been for over two years now.
"Recognizing the challenge of high inflationary pressures, a tight monetary policy stance has been adopted and contractionary fiscal policies are being pursued, with deliberate efforts to restrain aggregate demand and accommodate a moderate growth trajectory in the short run," Ministry of Finance said in its Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (MTMPS).
It said amid a rapidly evolving global landscape and domestic challenges, Bangladesh has adopted a moderate growth path in the short term, with a focus on transitioning to a robust and sustained trajectory in the medium-term.
Thus, the MTMPS mentioned that the government is pursuing a balanced and pragmatic macroeconomic policy mix that can safeguard economic stability and support future growth.
To reduce cost-push inflation, the government has adjusted customs duties and extended targeted tax exemptions on essential food items with an aim to lower import costs and help stabilize domestic prices.
The document said the government has also prioritized promoting fair competition, strengthening institutional governance and oversight mechanisms for price stability.
"To mitigate potential crises and ensure food security, the government is placing greater emphasis on sustaining and enhancing agricultural productivity, while actively procuring food grains from domestic sources to meet procurement targets and importing from international markets to stabilize prices and ensure adequate market supply," it said.
Concurrently, the Finance Ministry document mentions that measures are being taken to support industrial productivity by addressing labour unrest and maintaining stability in key industries.
"Social protection initiatives will continue through subsidized sales of essential commodities and the expansion of safety net programs to shield vulnerable populations from the adverse impacts of inflation."
While controlling inflation remains the highest priority, the MTMPS said prudent fiscal management supported by selective expenditure rationalization is also underway, including postponement and avoidance of less priority projects in the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
The document also says the government is moving forward with the separation of revenue policy and administration for designing effective, fair and growth-friendly tax policies along with greater accountability, transparency and enhanced efficiency.
At the same time, a Medium- and Long-Term Revenue Strategy (MLTRS) has been adopted to enhance revenue Mobilisation.
"To raise both domestic and foreign investment with the aim of higher productivity and job creation, efforts are underway to promote a business-friendly environment through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and streamlined regulatory processes." While private sector credit growth remains modest, efforts are underway to stimulate lending to support future investment and economic expansion.
To contain inflation, Bangladesh Bank has adopted a tight monetary stance by raising the policy rate to 10 percent and maintaining it, as inflationary pressures have yet to ease to a comfortable level.
In addition, in coordination with the central bank, the government remains committed to maintaining a stable and market-based exchange rate regime to support external sector stability and bolster foreign exchange reserves.
Bangladesh's economy is poised to transition to a more robust growth trajectory in the medium-term, following a period of subdued performance amid evolving global and domestic challenges.
The Finance Ministry document said that the real GDP growth is projected to increase from 5.0 percent in FY25 to between 5.5 percent and 6.5 percent during FY26-FY28, while average inflation is expected to ease from 9.0 percent to a range of 6.5 percent to 5.5% over the same period. "UNB
