TDS Desk:

The proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year allocates Tk 40,698 crore to the defence sector, a reduction of Tk 1,316 crore compared to the 2024-25 fiscal year’s proposed allocation of Tk 42,014 crore.

This marks a notable decrease in defence spending as part of the interim government’s fiscal strategy.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presented the 2025-26 fiscal year budget of Tk 7,90,000 crore on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 3:00pm, broadcast on Bangladesh Television due to the non-functioning parliament.

This budget is Tk 7,000 crore less than the 2024-25 fiscal year, marking the first time in Bangladesh’s history that the budget size has decreased compared to the previous year.

The deficit, excluding grants, is estimated at Tk 2,26,000 crore.

DEFENCE SECTOR BREAKDOWN

Total Defence Allocation: Tk 40,698 crore

Defence Services Operating Expenses: Tk 37,812 crore

Defence Services Development Expenses: Tk 916 crore

Ministry of Defence (Other Services) Operating Expenses: Tk 1,923 crore

Armed Forces Division Operating Expenses: Tk 47 crore

The reduction in the defence budget reflects a strategic shift towards fiscal restraint, aligning with the overall decrease in the national budget. This move may prioritize resource allocation to other critical sectors while maintaining essential defence operations.

This article has been revised for clarity, accuracy, and conciseness, correcting the 2024-25 fiscal year allocation figure to Tk 42,014 crore and ensuring consistency with the budget announcement details.