Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed an allocation of Tk 826 crore for the culture sector in the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, which was placed in Parliament yesterday.

Of the proposed allocation, Tk 485 crore has been earmarked for operational expenditure, while Tk 341 crore has been allocated for development expenditure.

In the 2025–26 FY, the proposed allocation for the culture sector stood at Tk 824 crore. However, the revised budget later reduced the allocation to Tk 753 crore.

Stakeholders in the cultural sector say the increase remains modest despite the overall expansion of the national budget, which totals Tk 9.38 lakh crore for the upcoming fiscal year.

Cultural activists have long called for greater investment in the sector, arguing that adequate funding is essential for the development of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, folk culture, and research-based initiatives.

They contend that culture extends beyond entertainment and plays a vital role in shaping national identity, preserving history, and nurturing social values.

According to sector representatives, stronger and more practical budgetary support is needed to improve cultural infrastructure, provide sustained assistance to artists, encourage cultural engagement among younger generations, and strengthen research and documentation efforts.