Next budget will prioritise public welfare over vested interests, says Finance Minister

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the forthcoming national budget will focus on public welfare, moving away from policies that favour particular individuals or vested interest groups.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Chattogram on Friday during his first visit to the port city since taking office, the Finance and Planning Minister said the government is determined to craft a people-centric budget that delivers real benefits to citizens.

“There will be no budget aimed at pleasing any individual or group. It will be prepared for the welfare of the people so that they see meaningful benefits in the years ahead,” he said.

He noted that the current administration has inherited a substantial debt burden from previous years, alleging that much of the borrowing was not directed toward productive investments.

The minister added that steps have been taken to recover laundered money and reinforce the country’s financial stability.

Emphasising a shift in economic governance, he said patronage-driven practices would no longer be tolerated, with the government prioritising fiscal discipline and sustainable growth.

On the stock market, Amir Khasru said targeted measures are in place to restore investor confidence, expressing hope that effective implementation would help draw both local and foreign investment.

Referring to Chattogram’s economic significance, he said the government plans to develop the city into a genuine commercial capital by enhancing port efficiency, stimulating investment, and creating jobs.

He described unemployment as one of the country’s most urgent challenges and said economic policies would centre on job creation and ensuring broader economic gains for the population.