Budget FY26: Govt allocates Tk 1.25bn to improve business conditions for women

Salehuddin highlights different programmes to build women’s capacity at the grassroots level

The interim government has proposed allocating Tk 1.25 billion in the 2025–26 budget to improve the business environment for women entrepreneurs in a bid to bolster their economic empowerment.

In Monday’s budget presentation, Advisor Salehuddin outlined different government programmes aimed at strengthening women’s skills and capacity at the grassroots level.

“To ensure the safety of women, skill-based programmes have been undertaken for women through the National Women's Training and Development Academy and training is being provided through women's training centres at the Upazila level,” he said during his televised speech.

“Under the VWB [Vulnerable Women Benefit] programme, 20,000 selected women have been trained for women's empowerment and poverty alleviation.

“I propose setting aside Tk 125 crore in the next fiscal year to support women entrepreneurs and strengthen their position in the economy,” he said.

He also touched on the value of unpaid work. “Alongside those working, other women are pouring labour and time as homemakers. But the importance of their role is often not properly evaluated.

“I express deep respect and gratitude to them on behalf of the government and the general public.

Future steps, he said, will involve developing a system to include the value of unpaid household labour in GDP calculations based on financial criteria.

Until now, Tk 1 billion was allocated to ensure the security of women entrepreneurs.