CPD Concerned Over Job Creation as Private Investment Target Reduced
Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, speaks at an event organized by the organization. Photo: Agamir Somoy
The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 has set a lower target for private investment, raising concerns about future job creation, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
A decline in private investment could limit industrial expansion and new production activities, narrowing opportunities for employment generation and casting doubt on the government's goal of creating one million new jobs.
The remarks were made on Sunday by Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, at a program titled National Budget Dialogue organized by the think tank at a hotel in the capital.
Dr. Khatun noted that allocations under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) remain high, accounting for 63 percent of total development spending. However, she said implementation rates continue to be low, with many projects failing due to corruption.
She emphasized the need for sector-based monitoring of project implementation and called for greater parliamentary oversight and discussion.
While welcoming increased allocations for education and health, Dr. Khatun expressed concern over reduced funding for agriculture.
“A lower allocation for agriculture could hinder efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and may eventually increase risks to food production,” she said.
She further noted that government revenue is collected to serve the public, and failure to fully implement development projects could reduce revenue collection and employment opportunities.
“Economic growth ultimately depends on effective budget implementation,” she added.
Dr. Khatun also said that although the budget includes various initiatives aimed at strengthening the digital economy, it lacks specific measures to ensure greater inclusion.
Among those attending the event were Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Planning Abdur Rahim Saki, Economist Hossain Zillur Rahman, BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq, and labor leader Advocate Montu Das.
