Leading business chambers have offered measured support to Bangladesh’s proposed 2025–26 national budget, commending its intentions while warning of major implementation hurdles and missed opportunities.

In post-budget reactions on Monday, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) called the budget a “bold undertaking” amid global inflation, high bank lending rates, and the country’s looming graduation from least developed country (LDC) status. However, it stressed that “deep structural reforms” are essential for success.

“Without significant reforms in tax policy and administration, automation, and service delivery, implementing this budget will be highly challenging,” MCCI said, also noting investment has fallen to its lowest in a decade—just 29.38% of GDP—leading to rising poverty and joblessness.

The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) echoed these concerns, with President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury criticising the budget’s heavy reliance on corporate and personal taxes. “There is no clear plan to expand the tax net or increase revenue sustainably,” he said.

Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) highlighted the absence of measures to incentivise private investment, warning that SMEs would suffer from the proposed hike in advance tax on commercial imports. It also raised concerns over external risks such as potential tariffs from the US and regional non-tariff barriers.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) praised the budget as “pragmatic” but sought greater support for shrimp exporters, including a lower source tax and higher cash incentives.

The International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) welcomed the budget’s focus on stability but said it lacks “transformational ambition.”