On June 17, 2025, at 3:30 PM, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organized a post-budget discussion titled “National Budget 2025-2026: Reflection of Gender-Sensitive Budget” at the Anwara Begum-Munira Khan Auditorium of the organization’s central office .
The discussion was presided over by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The welcome address was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. On behalf of the organization, a keynote paper was presented by Professor Sharmind Neelormi, member of the central committee and a faculty member of the Economics Department at Jahangirnagar University.
The honorable chief guest was Dr. Manzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division at the Bangladesh Planning Commission. Special guests included Ishrat Sharmin, Deputy Director of SANEM; Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Umme Marzana, Lecturer in the Economics Department at East West University; Sumaiya Islam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra and member of the National Women’s Commission; and Tamanna Singh Baraik, Project Officer of the Dalit Women’s Forum.
Dr. Manzur Hossain stated that the gender budget is the result of long-term advocacy by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Although allocations for the gender budget have decreased this year, it cannot be said that its impact will diminish. This year’s budget maintains continuity, eliminates unnecessary expenditures, and focuses on essential sectors while improving budget efficiency. He emphasized the importance of qualitative budget implementation, noting that ministries must enhance their capacity for quality project investments. He clarified that the gender budget is not exclusively for women but aims for inclusive development. He called for collaborative efforts between government and non-government organizations to ensure effective implementation.
Ishrat Sharmin, Deputy Director of SANEM, remarked that there is still a lack of understanding regarding the gender budget. Allocations for gender-sensitive sectors have decreased in the overall budget. During crises, gender-sensitive priorities often diminish, which is undesirable. While the Finance Ministry assumes ministries are progressing in gender budgeting, reality suggests otherwise. She stressed the need for adequate data collection to assess improvements in women’s quality of life.
Sharmin Islam of UNDP highlighted the importance of monitoring budget implementation. Ministries must evaluate how their plans translate into tangible benefits for women and gender equality. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems is crucial.
Umme Marzana pointed out the rising cost of education and the economic vulnerability of women in informal sectors, leading to increased violence. She urged budget allocations to address these issues.
Sumaiya Islam noted declining female workforce participation due to insufficient support programs. Budget allocations for skill development and one-stop services for women remain inadequate. She called for targeted allocations for marginalized women, better data systems for female workers, and increased embassy budgets for migrant women workers.
Tamanna Singh Baraik highlighted that around 6.5 million Dalit communities in Bangladesh work for low wages. She demanded clear budget provisions for Dalit women and girls in health, education, and employment sectors.
During the open discussion, representatives from Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha, YWCA of Bangladesh, CARE Bangladesh, and Manusher Jonno Foundation shared their insights.
Maleka Banu stated that the 2025-2026 budget was announced on time, with recommendations from women’s rights movements under review. She acknowledged the global recognition of gender budgeting for equality and women’s empowerment but noted that not all ministries have adopted it. She emphasized the need for robust monitoring mechanisms while appreciating the recognition of women’s unpaid domestic labor.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem commended Bangladesh Mahila Parishad for consistently organizing constructive post-budget discussions. She urged women economists to actively assess budget sensitivity toward women’s progress. She called for exploring ways to formalize informal work, reduce education costs, and address gender biases. She encouraged activists to deepen their understanding of the women’s movement.
The event was attended by representatives from ActionAid, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), Pragraswar, central committee members, officials, and journalists from print and electronic media. The session was moderated by Rabeya Khatun Shanti, Movement Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
