Gulshan: BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today expressed disappointment over the interim government's approach to preparing the national budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, emphasizing the need for dialogue and consensus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khasru addressed a post-budget press conference at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan political office, criticizing the lack of communication with political parties and civil society in the budget planning process. He highlighted the absence of a parliament or democratic government as a critical factor necessitating discussions with parties involved in the anti-fascist movement.
Khasru argued that incorporating the views of political parties and the general public in the budget preparation would have set a transformative precedent. He lamented the missed opportunity for creating a realistic budget that might have curbed poverty growth and promoted economic stability.
The BNP leader further criticized the announced budget of Taka 790,000 crore, labeling it as uncoordinated and predicting negative impacts on production, employment, and financial stability for the populace. He expressed concern over provisions allowing the laundering of black money, which he described as unethical and discriminatory against regular taxpayers.
Additionally, Khasru condemned the imposition of taxes on the education sector, promising that a future BNP government would abolish such taxes. He reiterated the party's commitment to ensuring a fairer economic environment, highlighting the ethical implications of the current government's fiscal policies.
The press conference was attended by other BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Selima Rahman, Chairperson's Adviser Ismail Zabiullah, Finance Affairs Secretary Engineer Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, and Chairperson's Press Wing member Shamsuddin Didar.