The post-budget dinner for fiscal year 2026–27 has been cancelled at the instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The Prime Minister's additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the decision was taken as part of the government's austerity measures. The cancellation is expected to save the government approximately Tk 50 lakh.
Every year, on the day the national budget is passed, the Ministry of Finance hosts a dinner at the Sangsad Bhaban. The event is typically attended by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, and journalists.
Ruman said during the tenure of former fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister's Office spent an average of Tk 30 to Tk 55 crore annually on hospitality for its officials and staff.
In addition to that, an extra Tk 10 to Tk 12 crore was also spent each year. For example, in the 2018–19 fiscal year, expenditure under this head amounted to Tk 302,297,335, he said.
The Bangladesh Tourism Corporation supplied food for the officials and staff of the Prime Minister's Office, he said, adding that a substantial amount from that period remains unpaid, and the current government has been settling those outstanding dues in phases.
After concluding voting on various demands for grants, the national budget was unanimously passed in the JS on Tuesday.
The Additional Press Secretary further said after assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reduced hospitality allowances. This month, hospitality expenses for the officials and staff of the Prime Minister's Office amounted to Tk 1,100,069.
He also said in addition, around Tk 90 lakh was spent on hospitality for officials and staff of the PMO during the two Eid receptions held at the state guest house Jamuna.
Meanwhile, Ruman said, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remained busy throughout the budget approval process in Parliament.
bd-pratidin/GR
