SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) – Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a broad set of allocations in the ICT,  telecommunications, startups and innovation-related sectors in the national budget of the next fiscal year 2026-27.

The proposal was made as part of its (government) strategy to expand the digital economy and raise the ICT sector’s contribution to GDP from the current 1-2 percent to 10 percent within the next five years.

Unveiling the maiden national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 of the present BNP government at the Jatiya Sangsad this afternoon, the finance minister said under the proposed budget, Tk 2,049 crore has been allocated for the Information and Communication Technology Division, while Tk 2,141 crore has been earmarked for the Posts and Telecommunications Division.

A total of Tk 18,115 crore has been proposed for the Ministry of Science and Technology to help build a science-based nation and develop a technology-driven workforce.

The finance minister also proposed Tk 500 crore for a Startup Fund aimed at encouraging new entrepreneurs in the information technology sector, with special focus on supporting young entrepreneurs and promoting women entrepreneurs.

For research, innovation and the development of the Blue Economy, Tk 200 crore has been allocated, including Tk 100 crore for each respective area.

An initial allocation of Tk 300 crore has been proposed for the development of the creative economy, alongside an additional Tk 500 crore to be mobilised from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank.

In the SME sector, Tk 2,000 crore has been proposed for disbursing loans on easy terms through IDCOL, BIFFL and the SME Foundation to support small businesses and entrepreneurship development.

Bangladesh Bank has also announced a Tk 60,000 crore stimulus package under the "Stimulus Package 2026", which includes Tk 5,000 crore for the CMSME sector and Tk 3,000 crore for export diversification.

The government has set a target of creating two lakh new jobs annually in the technology sector as part of its youth employment strategy.

Additionally, Tk 200 crore has been proposed for the "Notun Kuri Sports" programme, which provides scholarships to talented sports students aged 12–14.

According to the budget documents, these allocations form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the digital economy and accelerate national development through innovation and youth engagement.