Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), today described the proposed national budget for FY27 as a people-centric and welfare-oriented one, stating it reflected the government's commitment to justice, humanity, and public welfare. Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), Partho congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his recent foreign visits to Malaysia and China, expressing hope that the government would inform Parliament and the nation in detail about the agreements and outcomes of those tours.
Key Budgetary Measures
Partho referred to various budgetary measures, including the expansion of family cards, support for physically challenged people, export promotion, startup assistance, reduction of duties on essential commodities, healthcare initiatives, and incentives for the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasized that the budget carried the message 'we care,' distinguishing it from an authoritarian state. 'I have seen one message in this budget - we care. That is the difference between an authoritarian state and a government that genuinely cares for its people,' he said.
Justice and Humanity
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir-Bikram, in the chair, Partho said justice and humanity were the two fundamental pillars of the state established by Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), adding that a welfare state should uphold those same principles. He highlighted the need to ensure justice and care for orphans, women, distressed people, and persons with disabilities.
Nurturing Merit and Islamic Banking
Partho stressed the need to nurture merit by identifying and providing opportunities for talented young people across different sectors. He proposed creating a comprehensive national database for zakat recipients to make zakat distribution more transparent, organized, and accessible. Partho also suggested introducing a digital platform and mobile application to connect zakat donors with eligible beneficiaries and even a dedicated television channel to promote zakat awareness and facilitate charitable giving.
Speaking on the banking sector, Partho said although Bangladesh could not switch overnight from the conventional financial system, the government should actively promote Islamic banking. 'Islamic banking is becoming a global trend. Countries like the United Kingdom and Malaysia are promoting Islamic finance. We should also promote Islamic banking in Bangladesh,' he said. Referring to allegations of irregularities in some Islamic banks, he remarked, 'The problem was with those who looted the banks, not with Islamic banking itself.'
Revenue Collection and Bhola Development
On revenue collection, Partho acknowledged that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) had historically struggled to achieve its targets but argued that corruption during previous administrations had undermined tax collection. He claimed that the banking sector had witnessed greater stability during the tenure of the present government. Drawing attention to the development needs of Bhola, the BJP chairman urged the government to treat the island district as a strategic economic hub because of its huge natural gas reserves. He called for speedy implementation of key infrastructure projects, including Bhola Airport, a modern hospital, improved roads and educational institutions, and the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge.
Call for Unity
Concluding his speech, Partho urged all political parties to rise above partisan politics on budgetary issues and work together for national development. 'Let us make the budget a national issue. If we work together with good intentions, Insha'Allah, we will be able to take Bangladesh much further,' he added.
