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Government Launches Broad Package to Calm Economic and Political Storm

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 10:04 GMT by The Daily Star

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Govt Readies Package to Appease All: A Comprehensive Look at the New Economic Blueprint

In the latest political and economic update from The Daily Star, the government announced a sweeping package aimed at soothing the anxieties of a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from farmers and small‑business owners to opposition parties and civil‑society groups. Titled “Govt readies package to appease all”, the piece details the Cabinet’s strategy to shore up the economy, address public grievances, and shore up the political climate ahead of the national budget announcement.

1. The Context: Inflation, Uncertainty, and Political Tension

The article opens with a concise overview of Bangladesh’s precarious economic environment. Inflation has surged to a 10‑year high, driven by rising food and energy prices. The government’s decision to lift the VAT on staple foods and subsidise diesel has been partially successful, yet many ordinary citizens still feel the pinch. Politically, opposition parties have been vocal about the lack of transparent dialogue on policy priorities. A recent protest in Dhaka over the perceived slow pace of reform has further underscored the need for a comprehensive response.

The author also follows a link to the Central Bank’s inflation report, which shows consumer price indices climbing at an annualised rate of 6.8 %. The figure highlights the urgency of the government’s new package and underscores why it seeks to “appease all” factions.

2. The Package: Key Components and Targets

The centerpiece of the article is a detailed breakdown of the package’s major components. The government’s strategy, as summarised in a Cabinet press release (linked in the article), contains the following measures:

The article quotes Finance Minister Ayesha Rahman, who notes that the package is “a concerted effort to balance fiscal prudence with social equity.” The Minister also highlighted that the package would be rolled out in stages, with the first tranche already underway.

3. Political Reactions: Oppositions’ Cautious Optimism

Following the government’s announcement, the article turns to the opposition’s stance. A link to a statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Kamal Hossain, shows that while the opposition acknowledges the goodwill shown, they remain wary. “We welcome the concessions, but we demand a transparent, multi‑party review of the fiscal policy framework,” the statement reads. Opposition parties specifically call for a deeper overhaul of the tax system and for greater inclusion of civil‑society representatives in policy planning.

An interview clip with a senior opposition MP, embedded in the article, further emphasises that the government’s package is “a step in the right direction but insufficient to address the underlying systemic issues.” He calls for a more inclusive approach to fiscal policy that includes a broader stakeholder group.

4. Civil‑Society Voices: Mixed Reception

The Daily Star also forwards links to two key civil‑society reports. A NGO assessment on the impact of the farmers’ subsidy found that the 15 % transfer will cover approximately 70 % of the average farmer’s cost of production, but the remaining 30 % remains a barrier. Another report from the Bangladesh Economic Research Institute (BERI) indicates that the SME tax relief is likely to create an estimated 20 % increase in domestic investment over the next three years.

The article highlights the NGO director’s comment that the package’s “real test will be how well it is implemented at the grassroots level.” The BERI study, meanwhile, recommends that the government consider a broader tax‑reform package that reduces corporate tax rates to globally competitive levels.

5. Fiscal Sustainability: Balancing Growth and Deficits

While the package is designed to appease multiple groups, the article also scrutinises its fiscal implications. The government’s finance ministry reports that the package is estimated to increase the fiscal deficit by 1.5 percentage points of GDP in the first year, but a gradual decline in deficit is projected as the economy grows and tax revenues rise. A link to the Ministry’s long‑term fiscal strategy outlines the steps for ensuring the package’s sustainability, including targeted tax collection drives and enhanced monitoring of public spending.

The article notes that the government plans to finance part of the package through a re‑allocation of subsidies and by tapping foreign investment. It also hints at a forthcoming partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where the country will negotiate a credit line to support the package’s implementation.

6. Looking Forward: Potential Impacts and Risks

The article concludes by weighing the potential outcomes of the new package. On the positive side, immediate relief to farmers and SMEs could stimulate domestic demand, while the infrastructure upgrades could lay the groundwork for long‑term productivity gains. Conversely, the risks—particularly the possibility of a fiscal deficit ballooning if the package’s rollout falters—are highlighted as a key concern. The author also stresses the importance of political consensus: “Without broad political buy‑in, even the best-designed package can fail to deliver.”

7. Key Takeaway

In short, The Daily Star paints a picture of a government attempting to strike a delicate balance between economic stabilization and political appeasement. The package, with its multi‑layered approach—supporting farmers, SMEs, the general public, and the youth—reflects a comprehensive attempt to quell discontent across the board. Yet, the article makes clear that its ultimate success hinges on meticulous implementation, transparent governance, and sustained stakeholder engagement. Whether this strategy will usher in a period of stability and growth remains to be seen, but it certainly signals a proactive, albeit cautious, response to the country’s pressing challenges.