Govt set to place people-friendly budget aimed at boosting self-reliance: Chief whip

Chief whip of parliament, Md Nurul Islam Moni, last night (6 June) said the government is set to announce a people-friendly budget aimed at making citizens self-reliant and improving their quality of life.

"The present government assumed office with the goal of building a welfare-oriented state. We want to announce a comfortable and people-friendly budget that will help ordinary people become self-reliant," he said while briefing journalists at the LD Hall of parliament building.

Whips M Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu and Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia were present at the briefing.

Referring to the upcoming budget session of parliament, the chief whip said the budget would be passed within the stipulated time following detailed discussions in the House. 

"Despite limited resources, the government is working to ensure the maximum welfare of the people," he added.

Nurul Islam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed ministers and lawmakers concerned to strengthen field-level monitoring to ensure that the benefits of government development activities reach people at their doorsteps.

He said reforms in the education and health sectors and the development of communication infrastructure would continue.

The chief whip said the meeting reviewed the activities, challenges and future plans of different ministries. In the education sector, emphasis was placed on developing a modern and employment-oriented education system and expanding the mid-day meal programme to ensure proper nutrition for students.

The chief whip said the meeting reviewed the activities, challenges and future plans of various ministries. Particular emphasis was placed on developing a modern, demand-driven and employment-oriented education system, while the expansion of the mid-day meal programme was highlighted as a priority to ensure better nutrition and overall well-being of students. 

Regarding the health sector, he said the government is fully prepared to tackle seasonal diseases, including dengue. Efforts are being intensified to expand hospital infrastructure, establish new hospitals and improve the quality of healthcare services.

On the development of the communication sector, he said various road, bridge and infrastructure projects are currently being implemented across the country. Initiatives have been taken to enhance the country's economic capacity through the improvement of major transport networks, including the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, construction of transport terminals and implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects.

He expressed hope that the implementation of the Padma Barrage project would bring positive changes to agriculture and irrigation systems.

Talking about the power sector, the chief whip said the government has continued subsidies despite global economic challenges and rising production costs. Although electricity tariffs have been adjusted, 66% of consumers will not be affected, while those using up to 75 units of electricity will continue to pay the existing rate.

On the legal and judicial system, he said the government is working to make the judicial process more dynamic and has taken initiatives to expedite the disposal of important cases, including those involving child abuse.

Referring to the Ramisa murder case, he said the matter is highly sensitive to the prime minister and that arrangements had been made for its speedy disposal. The verdict in the case is scheduled to be delivered today (7 June).

On law and order, the chief whip said the government's stance against drugs and crime remains uncompromising. He said legal action against criminals would continue regardless of their political affiliation or identity.

He said the prime minister has instructed lawmakers to regularly monitor the implementation of government development projects and public services in their respective constituencies. Any negligence in education, healthcare or other public services should be brought promptly to the attention of the authorities for necessary action.

Replying to a question on constitutional amendments, Nurul Islam said Bangladesh, like many other countries, has a history of amending its constitution when required by changing circumstances.

"Necessary reforms and time-befitting changes will be undertaken through the parliamentary process while preserving the Constitution's fundamental structure and basic rights," he said.

He expressed hope that all political parties, including the opposition, would play a constructive role on issues of national interest and participate positively in any constitutional amendment process.