Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described the proposed national budget as a “life-friendly budget”, saying it was designed to provide relief to people from all walks of life while helping the country overcome economic challenges inherited by his government.
Participating in the general discussion on the proposed FY2026-27 budget in Parliament, he also said the government placed a realistic and people-oriented budget that helped keep prices of daily essentials stable after its presentation unlike in previous years.
“I would like to name this budget a ‘Jibon Bandhob Budget’ (life-friendly budget). Using our highest wisdom, conscience and knowledge, we have tried to present a budget through which people of all classes and professions can find at least some relief and comfort,” Tarique said.
The parliamentary sitting began at 10:30 am with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair. Leader of the Opposition Shafikur Rahman delivered speech on the budget debate before the Prime Minister addressed the House as Leader of the House.
Describing the budget as one of the most important instruments of state policy, Tarique said the government had made every effort to place a realistic and practical budget before Parliament.
“Whatever budget we present, it is not possible to solve every problem overnight. The realities are difficult. Even then, considering all aspects, we have tried to formulate a budget that would provide at least some relief to people across all classes and professions,” he said.
Highlighting the budget's consumer-friendly measures, the Prime Minister said taxes and duties on 61 essential commodities were withdrawn.
He said that in previous years it was common to see sudden price hikes in daily necessities before and after budget announcements often without any clear justification.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we did not witness such abnormal increases this time. Through the withdrawal of taxes on essential goods, we believe we have been able to fulfil at least part of our responsibility to the people and provide them with some relief,” the Prime Minister said.
He acknowledged that no budget can fully satisfy everyone, but said the government had carefully considered practical realities and competing demands while preparing the fiscal plan.
“Whatever budget we present, it is not possible to meet every expectation completely. We have tried to prepare a balanced and realistic budget, considering all circumstances,” Tarique added.
The prime minister also spoke at length about the economic situation inherited by his government when it assumed office on February 18.
He said the government had taken charge of a fragile economy marked by corruption, mismanagement, looting of public resources and policy failures.
“We inherited a broken economy. Corruption, looting, mismanagement and wrong policies had severely damaged the country's economic foundations,” the Prime Minister said.
Tarique said large-scale capital flight, declining investment and soaring inflation had left ordinary people struggling in the years before his government took office.
“Thousands of crores of taka were siphoned out of the country. Production and investment had nearly stagnated. Inflation had reached a level that people could feel in their daily lives,” he said.
Tarique also referred to difficulties in the capital market, saying many investors had lost their savings, while foreign exchange reserves had come under severe pressure due to capital flight and wasteful expenditure.
“The stock market, a vital sector of the economy, reached a point where people lost everything. Some even took their own lives after losing their savings,” he said.
The prime minister alleged that a number of large-scale projects undertaken by previous administration had become a burden on the nation because they generated little revenue despite being financed through domestic and foreign borrowing.
“Many vanity projects were undertaken through unnecessary borrowing. Those debts have now become a burden on the nation and will continue to be repaid for years to come,” he said.
Acknowledging that economic challenges remain, Tarique said the government had no intention of denying the difficulties facing the country. “We do not want to deny the crisis, nor can we afford to do so. That would be foolish.”
At the same time, he said the government would not use the challenges as an excuse for inaction.
Agreeing with observations made by the opposition leader , the prime minister said the government intended to address the country's problems through political commitment, effective policies and public support.
“We want to overcome these challenges successfully with the people by our side, through political goodwill and effective policies,” he said.
Tarique noted that shortly after assuming office, the government had to manage the holy month of Ramadan while ensuring that essential commodities remained within the purchasing power of ordinary people.
He expressed confidence that Bangladesh would gradually overcome its economic difficulties and move towards greater stability and growth.
Members of the treasury bench repeatedly thumped their desks in appreciation as the Prime Minister defended the government's economic policies and budget proposals during his speech.
The prime minister said the budget session itself reflected the country's democratic progress, as lawmakers from different political parties and independent members were able to engage in civilised discussions on issues concerning the nation and its people.
He credited the people of Bangladesh for helping create an environment where constructive political dialogue could take place.
“If credit has to be given, it should go to the country's 20 crore people. It is because of their support and cooperation that we have been able to sit together, exchange views and create a path for moving the country forward,” Tarique said.
Referring to the situation before the political changeover of August 5, he said Bangladesh had faced serious challenges in politics, society, the economy, education and healthcare.
Tarique said the country has gradually moved towards a democratic environment where elected representatives can debate national issues in Parliament in a civilised manner.
The Prime Minister said that while much discussion had taken place on the country's past, the focus now should be on the future.
“We have discussed the past extensively. But we must move forward and concentrate on building the future,” he said.
On June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the national budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament, proposing a Tk 9.38 lakh crore outlay aimed at containing inflation, reducing the cost of living, stimulating investment, strengthening social protection programmes and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
