DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith is to table the national budget for 2010-11 financial year today, likely with a total outlay of Tk 132,000 crore.

This will be the 39th National Budget of the country and the 2nd for the ruling Awami League.

“The budget would focus on five major areas - developing power scenario, increasing agricultural production, increase in revenue collection and investment, and controlling inflation,” said an official.

A major issue for the country – black money – would also take a place this year and the government is highly likely to allow money whitening.

“The tax rate would be higher this time,” said the official.

On the other hand, the revenue and development budgets are likely to merge this time around.

Besides, separate budgets for district level are likely to be introduced.

The budget is likely to impose more tax on luxury goods to lessen dependence on the import taxes.

BDST: 0930 HRS. June 10, 2010
SR/SRJ/FA/