Special Budget Benefits for July Fighters Compared to Ordinary Citizens

Staff Reporter

The proposed 2025-26 budget includes special provisions for participants of the July movement.

While the tax-free income threshold remains unchanged for ordinary taxpayers at Tk 350,000 (same as previous fiscal year), “July fighters” – those officially recognized as injured in the July 2024 mass uprising – will enjoy a higher tax-free limit of Tk 525,000.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed presented the Tk 7,899.99 billion budget proposal on Monday. He explained that while regular individual taxpayers currently have a Tk 350,000 tax-free ceiling, this will increase to Tk 375,000 for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 fiscal years to reduce burdens on limited-income groups.

Additional proposed tax-free thresholds for 2026-2028 include:
• Tk 425,000 for female taxpayers and those aged 65+
• Tk 500,000 for persons with disabilities
• Tk 525,000 for gazetted freedom fighters
• Tk 500,000 for third-gender taxpayers

The July fighters’ benefits match those granted to wounded freedom fighters, creating a two-tier system where movement participants receive significantly higher tax exemptions than ordinary citizens.