Bangladesh’s middle class continues to struggle with high inflation and rising costs of living, including essential goods, education, healthcare, rent, and transportation. While the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year includes a slight increase in the tax-free income threshold, economists, tax professionals, and business leaders predict an overall increase in the tax burden on this segment of the population. The budget fails to provide substantial relief from existing economic pressures. Experts suggest the measures will likely exacerbate financial strain on middle-income families. The rising cost of living, coupled with increased taxes, is creating a challenging economic environment. This situation raises concerns about the financial well-being and disposable income of a significant portion of the country’s population.