Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Whip and Khulna-3 lawmaker Rakibul Islam Bakul on Sunday said the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is a bold plan of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision for building a new Bangladesh.
Taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget in parliament, he said the budget presents a clear roadmap for strengthening the country's economy and improving the quality of life of the people.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presided over the sitting.
Describing the proposed budget as "challenging", the whip said it has drawn both appreciation and criticism in parliament. While some have termed it ambitious and others expressed concern over its implementation, he voiced optimism that the budget could be implemented successfully through the government's strong political commitment and proper planning.
Praising the government's various welfare initiatives, Bakul said the government has started implementing its electoral pledges within a short time of assuming office.
He said the Family Card programme has helped revitalise the rural economy, while initiatives have been taken to make poor women self-reliant. "Programmes such as the Farmers' Card and canal excavation have also created new hopes among the people," he added.
Highlighting development needs in his constituency, Khulna-3, the Whip said a number of industrial establishments, including the Newsprint Mill, Jute Mills and Hardboard Mill in Khalishpur, Daulatpur and Khan Jahan Ali industrial areas, have remained closed for a long time.
He urged the government to reopen those mills or establish new economic zones there to create employment opportunities for 20,000 to 25,000 unemployed workers.
Bakul also called for greater government support for the health and education sectors in Khulna-3. He said nearly one million people live in the constituency, yet it lacks a full-fledged hospital.
He urged the government to expedite the establishment of Khulna Medical University, set up an agricultural university and a women's cadet college, and allocate necessary funds for the development of the divisional stadium.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
