Desk Report:
Chief Whip of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Md. Nurul Islam, said that the budget of Tk 9 lakh 38 thousand crore prepared by the current government is a unique document for improving the living standards and changing the fortunes of the common people of the country. He said that such a public welfare-oriented and life-close budget has never been prepared since independence. The current Prime Minister has taken up the life-friendly Padma and Teesta Barrage projects instead of the popular mega projects.
He said these things at a press conference organized at the LD Hall of the Bangladesh National Parliament on Thursday (July 2, 2026). Whip of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, was present at the time.
The Chief Whip said that this budget has been prepared keeping in mind the goal of ensuring the welfare of the people and maintaining the sovereignty of the country.
Highlighting the nature and purpose of the budget, he said, “A budget of 9 lakh 38 thousand crore taka has been given. The honorable Prime Minister said that it is a people’s budget, a people-friendly budget and a budget for the welfare of the people and their survival.”
Md. Nurul Islam said, we have inherited a fragile economy. The dollar has increased by 7 taka in a day, some banks have faced serious crisis and Bangladesh Bank has had to provide assistance worth thousands of crores of taka. The impact of past irregularities, financial chaos and corruption in the name of mega projects still remains in the economy. That is why the government is not only giving importance to infrastructure construction, but also to long-term public welfare projects. The Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects aim to ensure water for agriculture during the dry season and improve the country’s water management. These are not just demonstration projects, but projects to meet the needs of the people.
In addition, 250 million trees have been planted, 20 thousand kilometers of canals have been re-excavated, farmers’ cards, family cards, special cards for women, expatriate services and various programs in the health sector have been taken. The main objective of these initiatives is to ensure that no one goes hungry, that the standard of living of the people improves and that they can become self-reliant.
Regarding the practice of parliamentary democracy and the active participation of the opposition, the Chief Whip said that this is the first time in the history of Bangladesh that the opposition has played a very positive and constructive role in the budget discussion. He said, “This is the first time since the independence of Bangladesh that the opposition has participated in the budget formulation process in advance. Although the opposition was allotted a total of 26 percent of the time, we have extended the time and they have had the opportunity to speak for about 31 percent of the time.”
He also mentioned that at the request of the opposition leader, the Prime Minister has immediately ordered the withdrawal of the proposed tax on bicycles, which is a shining example of the sincere mindset of the government and the opposition to jointly build the country.
Highlighting the steps taken by the government to keep the cost of living affordable for the common man, Nurul Islam said, “No tax increase has been made on 63 essential food items. In addition, initiatives have been taken to ensure the financial solvency of mothers through about 5 million ‘family cards’ under the social security system.”
Praising the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of the young fighters of the July Movement, the Chief Whip said, “The young generation of this country is very big, very brave and very patriotic. I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of those who were killed among the July fighters and express my deep condolences to those who were injured.”
Regarding the amendment of the constitution, the Chief Whip said, there is no alternative to amending the constitution. To bring any kind of reform, the constitution has to be amended. I hope we can all bring this amendment together.
Finally, he sought everyone’s cooperation to maintain the continuity of democracy, freedom and development of the country and reiterated the government’s firm commitment to implement the budget as per the expectations of the people.
