From a war-ravaged nation in 1971 to an emerging economic power today, Bangladesh's budgetary history reflects the country's remarkable economic transformation. According to budget summaries published by the Ministry of Finance, the national budget has expanded dramatically since independence, growing from a modest allocation of Tk 8.62 crore in FY 1971–72 to a proposed size approaching Tk 9.38 lakh crore.

Historical Overview

In 1972, Bangladesh's first Finance Minister, Tajuddin Ahmad, presented the budgets for both FY 1971–72 and FY 1972–73 simultaneously. The FY 1971–72 budget covered the period from 16 December 1971 to 30 June 1972 and proposed expenditure of only Tk 8.62 crore. The following FY 1972–73 budget proposed expenditure of Tk 719.43 crore.

Between FY 1971–72 and FY 2025–26, Bangladesh presented a total of 54 national budgets. Throughout this period, several finance ministers played significant roles in shaping the country's fiscal policy and economic development.

Finance Ministers by Number of Budgets Presented

Joint Record Holders: 12 Budgets Each

M. Saifur Rahman — 12 Budgets

M. Saifur Rahman holds the joint record for presenting the highest number of national budgets. Serving under BNP governments in different terms, he presented a total of 12 budgets, beginning with FY 1980–81 and concluding with his twelfth budget for FY 2006–07.

Abul Maal Abdul Muhith — 12 Budgets

Abul Maal Abdul Muhith also presented 12 budgets. He achieved a unique distinction by presenting ten consecutive budgets from FY 2009–10 to FY 2018–19 during the Awami League government. Earlier, he had also presented the budgets for FY 1982–83 and FY 1983–84.

Other Major Contributors

Shah A. M. S. Kibria — 6 Budgets

Presented six consecutive budgets from FY 1996–97 through FY 2001–02.

A. H. M. Mustafa Kamal — 5 Budgets

Presented five consecutive budgets from FY 2019–20 to FY 2023–24.

Tajuddin Ahmad — 4 Budgets

Presented four consecutive budgets from FY 1971–72 to FY 1974–75. His first presentation covered two fiscal years simultaneously.

M. Saeeduzzaman — 4 Budgets

Presented four consecutive budgets from FY 1984–85 to FY 1987–88.

Other Finance Ministers

• Ziaur Rahman — 3 budgets
• Abdul Momen — 2 budgets
• A. B. Mirza Mohammad Azizul Islam — 2 budgets
• Azizur Rahman Mallik — 1 budget
• Mirza Nurul Huda — 1 budget
• Wahidul Haq — 1 budget

Recent Budget Developments

For FY 2024–25, former Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presented Bangladesh's 53rd national budget.

On 2 June 2025, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed presented his first budget under the interim government, which became the country's 54th national budget. As there was no elected parliament at the time, the budget speech was broadcast through Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The proposed budget size for FY 2025–26 was Tk 7,89,999 crore.

According to the information provided, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is scheduled to present the FY 2026–27 budget, which would be the first budget of the new government and his first as Finance Minister. He previously served as Commerce Minister in 2001 under a BNP government. The proposed size of the upcoming budget is expected to be around Tk 9.38 lakh crore.

The history of Bangladesh's national budgets from FY 1971–72 to FY 2025–26 demonstrates the country's steady economic progress despite political transitions, global challenges, and structural reforms. Over more than five decades, the budget has evolved from a modest post-independence financial plan into a multi-trillion-taka fiscal framework, reflecting Bangladesh's expanding economy and development ambitions.

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a sporting event in Bangladesh—it is a nationwide celebration that unites millions of football enthusiasts. From flying the flags of favorite teams to staying awake through the night to watch matches, the World Cup has long been a cherished tradition for Bangladeshi fans. However, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approached, a major uncertainty emerged: would Bangladesh be able to broadcast the tournament at all?

Fortunately, that uncertainty has now been resolved. Thanks to the initiative of State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury, along with the support of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal, the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been secured. As a result, millions of football fans across the country can look forward to enjoying the world's biggest football tournament without interruption.

How the Crisis Began

Only a few weeks ago, the situation looked very different. Singapore-based company Springbok Pte Ltd had initially acquired the media rights for Bangladesh from FIFA. However, despite purchasing the rights at a substantial cost, the company failed to find buyers in the local market. Eventually, it surrendered the rights.

This development created a serious problem. With less than two weeks remaining before the tournament, Bangladesh had no confirmed broadcaster. Local television networks were reluctant to purchase the rights due to the high asking price, limited commercial opportunities, and concerns over advertising revenue. The timing of the matches also made the investment less attractive.

As a result, fears grew among football fans that they might be unable to watch the World Cup through television or digital platforms.

Government Steps In

Recognizing the importance of the issue, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took immediate action. State Minister Yasir Khan Chowdhury personally led efforts to resolve the crisis. Rather than viewing it merely as a commercial broadcasting issue, he treated it as a matter of public interest involving the emotions and expectations of millions of citizens.

At the same time, newly elected BFF President Tabith Awal played a key role in facilitating communication between FIFA and local stakeholders. His involvement helped strengthen coordination and accelerate discussions aimed at finding a workable solution.

Speaking about the matter, Tabith Awal emphasized that failure to broadcast the World Cup in Bangladesh would have been deeply disappointing for millions of football supporters. He also noted that ensuring a commercially viable arrangement was essential for all parties involved.

Exploring New Revenue Opportunities

To overcome the financial challenges, the Ministry and the BFF jointly explored a range of alternative revenue streams. Discussions were held with sports broadcasters, national media organizations, telecommunications companies, and OTT platforms.

Instead of relying solely on traditional advertising revenue, the stakeholders examined opportunities in digital broadcasting, telecom partnerships, sponsorship deals, and sublicensing arrangements. According to sources familiar with the process, such revenue models had never been explored this extensively during previous World Cup broadcasting cycles in Bangladesh.

Rejecting an Expensive Proposal

At a press conference, Yasir Khan revealed that upon assuming office, the government inherited a complicated situation regarding the World Cup broadcasting rights. According to him, an intermediary company had proposed selling the rights to Bangladesh for nearly Tk 200 crore.

The government considered the proposal unreasonable and declined to proceed. Yasir Khan stated that protecting public funds and ensuring transparency were top priorities. Instead of accepting an inflated offer, the government decided to negotiate directly with FIFA.

He stressed that the objective was to secure World Cup broadcasts for the people while avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on state institutions.

Direct Negotiations with FIFA

The Ministry subsequently initiated direct discussions with FIFA. BFF President Tabith Awal was also involved in the negotiations. Through a series of meetings, detailed discussions, and extensive bargaining, the parties eventually reached a mutually acceptable agreement.

According to Yasir Khan, bypassing intermediaries and dealing directly with FIFA proved to be the key to achieving a significantly more affordable arrangement. The direct approach helped reduce costs while ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Significant Savings Compared to the Past

During the press conference, Yasir Khan compared the new agreement with previous broadcasting arrangements. He argued that in earlier years, Bangladesh Television (BTV) had spent large amounts of money on broadcasting rights without generating meaningful financial returns.

This time, however, the situation is markedly different. BTV will not have to bear a heavy financial burden, yet it will still be able to participate in broadcasting the tournament. As a result, the state broadcaster will not face significant financial risks.

The minister explained that previous proposals appeared to benefit intermediaries more than the broadcaster itself. In contrast, the new arrangement prioritizes national interests and financial responsibility.

Final Deal Worth Approximately Tk 47 Crore

Yasir Khan announced that the final agreement with FIFA had been concluded at a cost of US$3.85 million, equivalent to approximately Tk 47 crore at current exchange rates.

The agreement officially secures Bangladesh’s broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Most importantly, BTV will not be required to finance the entire amount from its own resources.

Instead, the cost is expected to be recovered through sponsorships, advertising revenue, telecommunications partnerships, OTT platforms, and sublicensing agreements. This significantly reduces the financial burden on the state broadcaster.

Consortium of Three Television Channels

To implement the broadcasting project effectively, a consortium comprising three national television channels has been formed. This arrangement will expand coverage and ensure that audiences across the country have access to the tournament.

In addition, digital streaming options will allow younger audiences and online viewers to watch matches conveniently through various platforms.

A Welcome Relief for Football Fans

After weeks of uncertainty, Bangladesh’s football fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Through the combined efforts of the government, the BFF, and FIFA, concerns over a potential World Cup blackout have been eliminated.

Observers believe that securing the broadcasting rights within a limited timeframe and at a substantially lower cost represents a notable achievement. The process has also demonstrated how effective planning, coordination, and direct negotiation can help overcome major challenges.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, millions of Bangladeshis can once again look forward to gathering around television screens and digital devices to support their favorite teams. The familiar excitement, passion, and celebration of the World Cup are set to return to homes and communities across the country.

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a sporting event; in Bangladesh, it is a celebration that captivates millions of people. Every four years, the tournament transforms the country into a festival of football, from village streets to urban neighborhoods. However, beyond the excitement on the field, the acquisition and distribution of World Cup broadcasting rights have repeatedly generated public debate.

In particular, the contrasting approaches taken by Bangladesh Television (BTV) regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup have become a subject of national discussion. According to the government, the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup have been acquired at nearly half the cost incurred in 2022. This has reignited questions about past expenditures, the role of intermediaries, and transparency in the use of public funds.

Just days before the start of the 2022 World Cup, on November 16, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved the acquisition of broadcasting rights for BTV. At the time, A H M Mustafa Kamal was serving as Finance Minister. The committee decided that BTV would obtain the rights through a direct procurement process from Toma Construction & Co. Ltd.

The decision immediately raised concerns. Although Toma Construction was a well-known construction and contracting company in Bangladesh, it had no prior involvement in the international sports broadcasting business. Many observers questioned how a construction company became an intermediary in the acquisition of broadcasting rights for one of the world's largest sporting events.

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the time, the broadcasting rights had initially been acquired from FIFA by India's Viacom18. The rights subsequently passed through several entities before reaching the Norwester Omar K Sports Joint Venture, which later transferred them to Toma Construction. Ultimately, BTV purchased the rights from Toma.

This lengthy chain of intermediaries attracted widespread criticism. Analysts argued that every additional middleman increased the overall cost, with the financial burden ultimately falling on the state. Questions were raised as to why BTV did not negotiate directly with the original rights holder or source.

The controversy intensified when it became known that BTV spent approximately Tk 98 crore to broadcast the 64 matches of the 2022 World Cup. Although the Finance Division had initially considered an expenditure framework of around Tk 54 crore, the final approved amount nearly doubled that figure.

At the time, the Finance Division had recommended raising funds through sponsorships and advertising. However, officials argued that there was insufficient time before the tournament to secure alternative financing. Critics countered that the World Cup schedule had been known for years, making the claim of a last-minute time constraint difficult to justify.

Toma Construction's role remained at the center of the debate. The company's chairman, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan, commonly known as Manik, argued that his company had also made a substantial investment in acquiring the rights and that the Tk 98 crore agreement was not unusual. He maintained that it was natural for a business enterprise to participate wherever legitimate commercial opportunities existed.

Critics, however, remained unconvinced. They questioned how a construction company entered the international broadcasting rights market and why the government did not pursue a direct purchase from the source. Allegations of close ties between the company and influential political figures also surfaced, although those involved consistently denied such claims.

Many of the questions surrounding the 2022 process have never been fully answered in the public domain. Concerns regarding the use of multiple intermediaries, the sharp increase in costs, and the lack of advance planning continue to be debated.

Four years later, the government claims to have adopted a completely different strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This time, Bangladesh Television has reportedly acquired the broadcasting rights directly from FIFA. According to official information, the agreement is valued at approximately US$3.85 million, equivalent to around Tk 47 crore. Including VAT and other taxes, the total expenditure is expected to reach approximately Tk 64 crore.

More importantly, the government claims that a significant portion of this cost has already been recovered through advertising revenue and the sale of broadcasting rights to telecommunications companies, satellite television channels, and OTT platforms. As a result, the burden on the national treasury has been substantially reduced.

This is where the most significant difference between 2022 and 2026 becomes apparent. In 2022, BTV spent approximately Tk 98 crore to broadcast 64 matches. In contrast, the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 104 matches, has reportedly been secured at a significantly lower overall cost. Although the market conditions, commercial value, and global economic circumstances surrounding the two tournaments are not identical, the difference in expenditure has naturally raised new questions among the public.

The role of Information and Broadcasting Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat's successor, Jahir Uddin Swapon, has also attracted attention. According to ministry sources, he played an active role in adopting and implementing a policy of direct negotiation with the rights holder. Supporters argue that the achievement is not merely about reducing costs but also about strengthening transparency and accountability in public procurement.

The current government's position is that excessive reliance on intermediaries and a lack of transparency contributed to the higher costs in 2022. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury has stated that direct negotiations enabled significant savings while ensuring greater transparency in the procurement process.

Nevertheless, experts argue that further reforms are necessary. They believe that future acquisitions of broadcasting rights for major international sporting events should be conducted through a more institutionalized, competitive, and long-term framework. Such a system would minimize the risks associated with individual decision-making, intermediary influence, and procedural opacity.

Overall, the 2026 initiative appears to represent a new precedent in contrast to the controversial process of 2022. On one side are allegations of intermediary involvement, excessive expenditure, and questionable decision-making; on the other are claims of direct procurement, lower costs, and enhanced transparency.

As millions of football fans eagerly await the next World Cup, the economic and administrative story behind the television screens remains equally significant. The issue extends beyond the simple enjoyment of football. It concerns the proper use of public funds, accountability, and good governance. Citizens have the right to know where, how, and how effectively their tax money is being spent.

For that reason, the contrasting experiences of 2022 and 2026 represent more than two different administrative decisions. They serve as two distinct examples of public expenditure management, transparency, and accountability. Consequently, the story of World Cup broadcasting rights in Bangladesh is likely to remain an important case study in discussions of public procurement and governance for years to come.

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated through the Tamabil border crossing in Sylhet after serving prison sentences in India for illegal entry.The individuals were handed over by India's Border Security Force (BSF) through the Tamabil Immigration Check Post at around 3pm on Tuesday (June 9).Officials of Tamabil Immigration Police received them through the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).According to Tamabil Immigration Police, the seven Bangladeshis had entered India illegally through different border points in Sylhet at various times and were subsequently arrested by Indian authorities.

Cases were filed against them, and Indian courts later sentenced them to prison terms. They served their sentences at Shillong District Jail in the Indian state of Meghalaya.

After completing their jail terms, Indian immigration authorities repatriated them to Bangladesh on Tuesday following the completion of legal formalities and requests from the Bangladeshi authorities.

Of the seven returnees, six are residents of Sunamganj and one is from Sylhet.

They are Md Muhibur Rahman and Abdul Quddus, sons of Sadir Mia of Noigaon in Sunamganj Sadar upazila; Manik Ahmed, son of the late Shawkat Ali of Tukerbazar village; Md Suhel Ahmed, son of the late Azizur Rahman of Chanpur village; Md Al Amin, son of Jamal Uddin of Bangaon village; Badshah Mia, son of Abdul Hai of Srihai village in Shalla upazila; and Restly Blah, son of Puhstar Dekhar of Sangrampunji area in Gowainghat, Sylhet.

Sub-Inspector (SI) Md Bazlur Rashid of Tamabil Immigration Police said the seven Bangladeshis were received following due legal procedures in the presence of BGB, BSF and police officials from both countries.He said they had subsequently been handed over to their respective relatives.