Dhaka, April 1 -- Traditionally, finance ministers of the country keep the budget deficit within 5.0 per cent or so of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
But in the current fiscal year (FY20) there is no need to stick to the target of 5.0 per cent. It may go beyond 6.0 per cent and even reach 7.0 per cent due to fiscal and monetary supports to fight the COVID-19.
Dr M A Razzaque, research director of Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), made the observation while taking to The Financial Express regarding the impact of the on-going 'lockdown' on the economy.
"There will be a revenue shortfall, no doubt. Nevertheless, we have to overlook it this time," he added.
According to the economist, "The immediate and main focus is saving...