Seminar on ‘Beyond the Budget’ held at NSU

A seminar titled ‘Beyond the Budget’ was held on Friday afternoon under the auspices of Young Economists' Forum (YEF) Club of North South University (NSU).

Leading economists, policymakers, and industry experts of the country attended the event to discuss the National Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026–27 and its implications for Bangladesh's economy.

Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), addressed the seminar as chief guest. 

In his speech, Zaidi said, “Bangladesh's existing protective tariff structure creates disparities in the export sector.”

He put stress on the importance of trade liberalization to ensure sustainable economic growth as the country prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

The panel of discussants included Md. Mominul Islam, Chairman of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE); Dr. M. Abu Yusuf, Executive Director of RAPID; Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Dr. Atonu Rabbani, Research Director of the General Economics Division at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS); and Professor Sakib Bin Amin of the Department of Economics at NSU.

While speaking at the event, Md. Mominul Islam warned that Bangladesh could face significant macroeconomic challenges without urgent structural reforms. Highlighting sluggish private investment and jobless growth, he called for the development of a more investment-friendly capital market.

Dr. M. Abu Yusuf pointed to concerns regarding budget transparency and limitations in revenue collection. He noted that achieving the government's ambitious revenue targets would require comprehensive tax reforms and stronger institutional capacity.

Professor Sakib Bin Amin underscored the importance of energy security, stating that reliable and affordable electricity is essential for industrialisation and long-term economic stability.

“Education and human capital development must be prioritized to foster innovation and inclusive economic growth,” said Vice-Chancellor of NSU Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, adding that, “It is very urgent to unlock the potential of underutilised sectors, including the blue economy.”

During the interactive question and answer session, students raised questions on trade policy, foreign direct investment (FDI), and healthcare sector reforms. 

Responding to the queries, Dr. Zaidi Sattar and Dr. Atonu Rabbani highlighted the importance of tariff neutrality and strengthening healthcare services through public-private partnerships.

Before the closing session, the Young Economists' Forum unveiled its annual academic publication, Chronicle 2026. 

The event concluded with remarks from Nazneen Imam, Faculty Adviser of the YEF Club, along with Acting President and General Secretary Mohammad Sharafat Alam, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, participants, and organisers. 

They also announced the upcoming edition of EconProdigy 8.0, the club's flagship inter-university policymaking competition.

Dr. Syed Mortuza Asif Ehsan, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Economics at NSU moderated the seminar while Dr. AKM Waresul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, also present at the event as honourable guest.