Maintain transparency and accountability in budget implementation

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today instructed secretaries to maintain transparency and accountability in implementing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26.

"I have told them to ensure that the allocated budget is implemented for the welfare of the people and that everything is done on time," he told the media after a discussion on the upcoming budget for FY26 at the secretariat.

He said 25 ministries and divisions will receive the highest allocations in the upcoming budget.

At the meeting, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Majumder, National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek were among the secretaries present from 25 ministries and divisions.

Salehuddin said he told the top public officials that budget must be implemented as effectively as possible.

"I emphasised that they should focus on the welfare of the people and ensure transparency and accountability in budget implementation. I also stressed that everything must be done on time."

The finance adviser said the Finance Division already determined the allocations for various ministries and divisions in the upcoming budget.

According to discussions with three participating secretaries, most secretaries have requested increased allocations in the next budget. For instance, the Ministry of Education demanded additional funds.

Participants said the Finance Advisor instructed secretaries to take necessary measures to prevent wastage.

He noted that the focus in the education and health sectors has primarily been on building infrastructure, which cannot continue.

Meanwhile, secretaries pointed out that there is a delay every year in preparing the revised budget, including this year, which creates challenges in budget implementation.

Salehuddin said this issue needs to be resolved.