Jamaat sets out Tk 8.39tn ‘shadow budget’ for FY2027

Its estimate focuses on governance, taxation and education reforms

Opposition Jamaat-e-Islami has proposed a Tk 8.39 trillion “shadow budget” ahead of the government's spending plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The proposal prioritises public administration, law and order, anti-corruption reforms, revenue collection, debt servicing, and investment in education and technology.

At a press conference held in Moghbazar on Tuesday, the party said it formulated its “shadow budget” based on six principles.

It comes two days before the finance minister presents the national budget in parliament.

Three of the principles are establishing good governance, comprehensive reforms of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) within state institutions, and maximum allocation to education.

Employment-oriented budget and encouragement of foreign investment, protecting small and medium enterprises from tax shocks, and developing a modern tax system are the rest three.

Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon, who headed the alternative budget preparation committee, said their idea was derived from the organiastion's economic philosophy.

The party chief Shafiqur Rahman said, "If the government picks up something good from here, the people will benefit.

“This is not a party-oriented issue. We are not proposing it for any party. This budget could be for 180 million or 200 million people."

The party proposed a Tk 2.22 trillion or 24.09 percent allocation for the public administration sector, followed by second highest allocation of Tk 1.25 trillion or 14.96 percent for the education and technology sector.

It proposed that Tk 0.65 trillion or 7.78 percent be allocated for the transport and communication sector.

Jamaat's vision of budget seeks Tk 0.51 trillion or 6.15 percent allocation for the agriculture sector to ensure food security and Tk 0.48 trillion or 5.74 percent for the social safety net.

The total deficit has been estimated at Tk 1.68 trillion including grants. The deficit without grants is projected to be Tk 1.73 trillion.