Year in Review 2025

Advancing Macroeconomic Reforms in a Time of Uncertainty

Bangladesh continued to face a demanding macroeconomic context, shaped by fiscal pressure, sluggish revenue growth, persistent inflation, external risks and rising concerns over banking stability. In this environment, CPD prioritised macroeconomic stability and convened a series of engagements to assess challenges and propose reforms. Through successive IRBD media briefings on the economy and national budget, CPD highlighted widening revenue gaps, growing reliance on high-cost domestic borrowing, a sharp rise in non-performing loans, and the need to strengthen market oversight and energy security. The CPD Budget Dialogue 2025 called for a mid-term review and a more realistic macro framework, while dedicated dialogues on corporate income tax and VAT reform argued for a fairer and more efficient tax system that broadens the base, eases the burden on low-income groups and supports post-LDC transition. CPD also examined the implications of US reciprocal tariffs for export performance and strengthened future policy capacity through the CPD Lecture Series on the Bangladesh Economy for emerging economists.

ACTIVITIES

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    VAT Rate Should Be Reduced to 10 Per Cent: CPD

    The Value Added Tax (VAT) could be reduced to 10 per cent in Bangladesh without compromising revenue collection. This reduction would help broaden the VAT base, ease the burden on low-income households

    CPD Urges Mid-Term Review as Budget Targets Termed ‘Overly Ambitious’

    The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has raised concerns over the interim government’s proposed national budget for FY2025–26, labelling it ‘overly ambitious and structurally inconsistent’.

    The proposed budget failed to address the ongoing economic challenges holistically

    The proposed National Budget for FY2025-26 contains some positive elements but does not comprehensively address Bangladesh’s complex economic challenges.

    NPLs nearly tripled to BDT 345,765 crores in the last two...

    Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Bangladesh’s banking sector have surged nearly threefold over the past two years, reaching an alarming BDT 345,765 crores in the second quarter of FY2024-25.

    Bangladesh should pursue a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the US

    In response to Trump's reciprocal tariffs, Bangladesh should actively pursue a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US. This would provide a framework for tariff reductions, address non-tariff barriers, and improve trade relations, particularly benefiting Bangladesh’s key garment sector.

    Bangladesh’s Revenue Growth Slows in FY25, Raising Fiscal Concerns

    In the first half of FY25, Bangladesh's revenue mobilisation grew by  4.4 per cent, significantly lagging behind the ambitious annual growth target of 32.2 per cent.

    CPD calls for examination of past policy failures to inform future...

    To promote equality, prosperity, and good governance, a Task Force on ‘Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilizing Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development’ was formed.

    CPD urges for effective reforms for economic stability

    CPD urges a review of past policy failures to shape future strategies for sustainable growth, investment, and export diversification in Bangladesh.

    PUBLICATIONS

    BOOK AND RESEARCH REPORT

    Bangladesh Economy in FY2024–25: Interim Review of Macroeconomic Performance

    Bangladesh’s economy in FY2024-25 stands at a critical juncture, confronting deep-seated domestic weaknesses amid a challenging global environment.

    State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2023-24

    Bangladesh's economy is facing significant challenges on both the local and international fronts, and the outlook for the near future is uncertain.

    সমসাময়িক উন্নয়ন চিন্তা ৯ – ২০২৪ সালে মিডিয়াতে প্রকাশিত সিপিডি’র নির্বাচিত বক্তব্যসমূহ

    গণতান্ত্রিক চর্চা এবং জবাবদিহিমূলক উন্নয়ন প্রক্রিয়া সচল রাখতে গণমাধ্যমের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রয়েছে। আর এই জবাবদিহিমূলক উন্নয়নের সঙ্গে নীতি গবেষণার রয়েছে এক অপ্রতিম সংযোগ।

    Trump Reciprocal Tariffs and Bangladesh – Implications and Response

    Trump reciprocal tariff may hit Bangladesh exports hard. New paper explores impacts, challenges, and policy responses for RMG and footwear sectors.

    POLICY BRIEFS

    MACROECONOMIC PULSE

    BRIEFING NOTE