Published : 11 Jun 2026, 04:48 PM
Updated : 11 Jun 2026, 04:48 PM
An initial allocation of Tk 3 billion has been proposed for the development of the creative economy in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
In addition, another Tk 5 billion will be mobilised from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds of Bangladesh Bank.
The proposal was announced on Thursday as the finance minister began presenting the FY2026-27 national budget in parliament at 3pm.
This is the first budget presented by the BNP-led government after it assumed office following a landslide victory in the February election.
The government has taken a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the creative economy’s contribution to GDP to 1.5 percent.
Key Initiatives
- A 10-year investment and time-bound action plan will be formulated to establish regional creative hubs across the country.
- A central creative hub will be set up on 160 acres (64.75 hectares) of land in Purbachal under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- Creative hubs will be established at divisional, district and Upazila levels, as well as on the premises of Shishu Academy and Shilpakala Academy.
- Innovation hubs will be introduced at universities and undergraduate colleges.
- As part of the “One Village, One Product” initiative, creative economy-based products will be identified, including handloom products, pottery, weaving, Shital Pati mats, Satranji rugs, wooden toys, handmade jewellery, terracotta items and others.
- A national pool of designers will be formed, bringing together local designers to improve the development and design quality of creative products.
- A project will be undertaken to modernise BSCIC’s design centre and upgrade it to international standards through collaboration with universities and prominent fashion designers.
- Initiatives will be taken to restore region-based cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
- A monthly and theme-based national and regional calendar will be prepared incorporating national, cultural and regional festivals and traditional activities.
- A specialised training institute will be established to enhance the skills of professionals in the tourism sector.
- Hospitality benchmarks will be introduced to raise training standards in culinary arts and other tourism-related trades to international levels.
- A Tourism Master Plan incorporating the sector’s potential, diversity and modern creative themes will be finalised on a priority basis.
- A national brand titled “Created in Bangladesh” will be launched to showcase the country’s creative potential at international festivals and marketplaces.
- Initiatives will be taken to establish technically advanced, internationally standard studios to support the development of the film industry and participation in OTT platforms.
