The FY22 Budget includes higher allocations (in Taka) for health, agriculture, and social safety net programs, although effective targeting remains a challenge. As a precautionary measure, the government has decided that 25 percent of budgetary allocations for development projects will be placed on hold, affecting low-priority projects. It has approached donors seeking budget support.

 

(Updated: May 2022)

 

The National Board of Revenue has suspended duties and taxes on imports of medical supplies, including protective equipment and test kits.

 

The FY21 Budget includes higher allocations for health, agriculture, and social safety net programs, although effective targeting remains a challenge. As a precautionary measure, the government has decided that 25 percent of budgetary allocations for development projects will be placed on hold, affecting low-priority projects. It has approached donors seeking budget support. In January 2021, the government increased the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness Project costs by Tk 56.6 billion (about US$ 666.7 million) mostly reflecting the procurement, preservation and distribution of vaccines. The government has announced two additional stimulus packages- Tk. 15 billion for the micro and cottage entrepreneurs and Tk. 12 billion cash assistance program for the disadvantaged elderly people, widows and female divorcees. In the first week of May, the government provided cash assistance of Tk 2,500 to each of 3.6 million households who became jobless due to the restrictions on movement in the ongoing lockdown.

 

(Updated: August 2020)