Budget 2026-27 Proposes Expansion of Monthly Honorarium for Religious Caregivers Nationwide

The government has proposed allocating Tk1,081 crore to religious institutions under the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, alongside plans to expand monthly honorariums for individuals serving in places of worship across Bangladesh.

Presenting the proposed budget in parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to supporting religious institutions and recognising the contributions of those who dedicate themselves to serving communities through faith-based activities.

According to the minister, imams, muezzins and khadems serving in mosques are currently receiving a combined monthly honorarium of Tk10,000. Similarly, priests and caretakers attached to other religious institutions receive a monthly allowance of Tk8,000.

The programme presently covers 9,520 individuals employed at 6,438 religious institutions nationwide.
 

The finance minister said the government intends to continue these benefits while gradually expanding the scheme to include all eligible religious establishments throughout the country.
 

"We have proposed a budget allocation of Tk1,081 crore for religious institutions in the upcoming fiscal year, and there are plans to extend this support programme in phases to all places of worship," he told lawmakers during the budget presentation.
 

The proposal forms part of the first national budget presented by the BNP-led government following its electoral victory earlier this year.
 

Government officials said the budget has been prepared under the theme, "Economic Democratisation and Decentralisation: Bangladesh on the Path to a Trillion-Dollar Economy," with a stronger emphasis on human resource development and social welfare.
 

As a result, priority has been given to sectors such as education and healthcare, while social protection initiatives are also being expanded to reach a larger segment of the population.

Beyond support for religious institutions, the proposed budget includes several measures aimed at strengthening social safety nets and promoting inclusive development.

Among the initiatives under consideration is the introduction of an e-health card programme expected to cover 2.5 million citizens, providing easier access to healthcare services through digital platforms.

The government is also planning to expand existing social protection schemes and introduce new programmes, including Family Cards and Farmer Cards, to provide targeted assistance to vulnerable groups.

Support for entrepreneurs has also featured prominently in the proposed budget. Officials indicated that Tk225 crore may be allocated to an entrepreneurship development fund, while a separate Tk2,000 crore financing facility could be established to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In addition, the budget is expected to focus on job creation and overseas employment, with authorities setting an ambitious target of facilitating employment opportunities for up to 10 million people abroad.
 

Partial implementation of a new pay structure for government employees may also be announced as part of broader efforts to improve public sector compensation.

If approved by parliament, the proposed measures will take effect from 1 July 2026, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year.
 

The expanded honorarium programme is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of religious workers while reinforcing the government's stated objective of strengthening community-based support systems and promoting inclusive social development.