Md. Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that the proposed national budget lacks a clear direction for building a society free from inequality although it identifies key economic challenges.
He noted that the ambition for economic transformation has not been fully reflected in the budget.
He made these remarks on Tuesday (June 3) at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, where the NCP presented its official response to the budget.
Nahid Islam stated that the public had expected effective measures in the budget to reduce the income gap between the rich and poor, especially after the mass uprising that brought a new government to power.
However, he criticized the budget for failing to include strong actions or strategies against tax evasion by individuals and institutions. As a result, he argued, the tax burden will fall more heavily on the lower- and middle-income groups.
He further mentioned that the root cause of the mass uprising—unemployment—remains unaddressed. Despite 2.6 million people becoming newly unemployed over the past year, there is no clear policy in the budget aimed at boosting investment to generate jobs.
Commenting on social sectors, Nahid said the budget lacks any significant reforms or new initiatives in education, healthcare, or science and technology.
He emphasized that at least 2% of GDP should be allocated to the education sector in the current context, whereas only 1.7% has been allocated.
He also strongly opposed the provision allowing the legalisation of undisclosed or ‘black’ money, stating that such a move post-regime change will only create confusion among citizens. He urged the government to abolish this provision.
However, Nahid Islam praised the allocation of BDT 405 crore for the rehabilitation and support of those killed or injured during the July uprising.
He emphasized that the funds must be spent in a planned and transparent manner to fulfill the commitments made.
