In a country weighed down by high inflation, dwindling fiscal space and weak investments, now is not the time for illusions.

The Bangladesh Bank has embarked on a series of banking reforms with quiet determination. Most recently, it has tightened regulations regarding dividend payouts by scheduled banks, exemplifying the strategy of seizing low-hanging fruit in the pursuit of structural reforms.

The macroeconomic imperative was to tighten the budget, particularly the domestic financing component of the budget deficit.

The allocation for subsidies in agriculture, food, and power will be raised considerably in the next budget, with an aim to ease inflationary pressure on people.