Bangladesh’s caretaker government on Monday proposed a reduction in taxes on key food items and daily essentials, including sugar and soybean oil, as part of its national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed unveiled the budget in a televised address broadcast simultaneously on state-run BTV and private media channels.

In an effort to curb inflation and ease the cost of living, the government has proposed slashing the tax deducted at source on commissions for local bonds used to import daily necessities—from 1 percent to just 0.05 percent.

"This measure is expected to lower prices of a wide range of essential goods including rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil, onions, garlic, lentils, salt, and spices," Dr Ahmed said in his speech.

He added that the cut would also apply to items such as computers, computer parts, and all types of fruits, aiming to boost digital access and food affordability.

T the Finance Adviser also announced that import taxes on cricket bats would be reduced.

The 2025–26 budget proposal is the first under the current caretaker government and comes amid rising inflation and economic pressure following global supply disruptions and domestic currency volatility.

The proposed total budget outlay stands at Tk 790,000 crore, with significant allocations expected for infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education.

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