Next budget will serve people, not special interests: Finance Minister

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the upcoming national budget will prioritise public welfare, shifting away from policies that benefit specific individuals or vested interest groups.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Chattogram on Friday, his first visit to the port city since assuming office, the minister said the government is committed to preparing a people-oriented budget aimed at delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

“There will be no budget designed to appease any individual or group. The budget will be formulated for the welfare of the people, ensuring they benefit in the coming years,” he said.

The minister noted that the current government has inherited a significant debt burden due to loans taken in previous years that were not invested in productive projects.

He added that the government has developed plans to recover laundered funds and strengthen the country’s financial position.

He also emphasised that patronage-based economic practices will no longer be tolerated, and the government will focus on restoring economic discipline and promoting sustainable growth.

Regarding the stock market, Amir Khasru said the government has specific plans to restore investor confidence. Successful implementation of these measures is expected to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Highlighting the importance of Chattogram’s economic potential, he said the government aims to transform the city into a true commercial capital by improving port operations, boosting investment, and expanding employment opportunities.

He identified unemployment as one of the country’s most pressing challenges and said the government’s economic policies will prioritize job creation and broader economic benefits for the population.