BNP calls budget pro-people, Jamaat criticises inflation risk and debt dependence

BNP lawmakers have described the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as pro-people, investment-friendly and employment-oriented, while Jamaat-e-Islami members criticised it as debt-dependent, inflation-prone and lacking reforms during the parliamentary debate.

During the general discussion on the supplementary budget in parliament today (14 June), MPs mainly focused on the proposed budget, raised local issues and engaged in political exchanges.

BNP lawmaker MA Hannan from Brahmanbaria-1 said the budget includes initiatives for low-income people, education, healthcare and social protection, along with new opportunities for youth, calling it a comprehensive budget.

Gaibandha-4 MP Md Shamin Kaiser said, "Protests over the budget were not justified, and those presenting a shadow budget have not explained the implementation methods." He also mentioned voluntary canal excavation initiatives in Gaibandha.

Chandpur-2 MP Jalal Uddin said the budget proposes family cards and farmer cards, and that further discussion could make it more people-friendly.

Khulna-4 MP SK Azizul Baree Helal said the government inherited challenges such as investment stagnation and a weak banking sector, and that the budget addresses these issues. He cited higher development spending, focus on education and jobs, tax and duty cuts to control inflation, and steps to improve the investment climate.

Azizul also noted the lack of specific directives on dredging the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers and reviving closed jute mills, calling for continued jute mill operations even after privatisation.

Reserved seat MP Rasheda Begum Hira said, "The budget seeks to ensure the rights of the poor through redistribution and includes tax cuts on 60 essential commodities, along with measures for women's rights."

Reserved seat MP Anna Minz highlighted allocations for ethnic minority communities in the plains and stressed employment opportunities for them.

MP Mahmuda Habiba expressed disappointment over the absence of directives to bring non-MPO institutions under MPO coverage and proposed recruiting five mental health workers in each union.

MP Farida Yasmin said the budget reflects public expectations and lays the foundation for a developed Bangladesh, with focus on education, health, investment, environment, communication and ICT.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPs raise criticism over different aspects of budget

Rangpur-6 MP Nurul Amin said, "The budget may raise prices of essential goods and increase inflationary pressure, and it lacks a clear investment direction."

"I urge special initiatives for madrasa education," he added.

Nilphamari-3 MP Obaidullah Salafi called the budget debt-dependent, saying that despite taxpayers' willingness, weak administration and dishonest officials have made the system intimidating.

He proposed VAT cuts, wealth tax on the rich and tax reforms, saying the budget relies on borrowing and wasteful spending.

Sherpur-1 MP Rashedul Islam said, "The budget does not reflect the July Charter and allocations for July movement martyrs and injured are nominal also." He also alleged regional disparities.

Rajshahi-1 MP Mujibur Rahman said corruption and waste were not properly addressed and urged the prime minister to use more restrained language in political remarks.

Nilphamari-4 MP Abdul Muntakim said district-wise allocations are unclear in the budget and should be made transparent in the future. He also said the spirit of the July movement was not reflected in the budget.

Reserved seat MP Marzdia Momtaz said, "Salary increases were proposed for government employees, but no such measures were taken for private sector workers."

The supplementary budget for FY2025-26 is scheduled for passage tomorrow.