Budgetary allocations at risk of misuse if corruption remains unchecked: Porwar

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar yesterday (13 June) described the proposed national budget as "extravagant, dependent on foreign loans and oriented towards plunder." 

He also raised the possibility of the monies allocated to different streams being misused, as graft still prevails in society.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after attending an educational workshop for members of upazila working committees at the Bhola district Jamaat office as the chief guest.

Porwar said the government had not taken into consideration the proposals put forward by Jamaat regarding increasing revenue collection, reforming the tax structure, controlling corruption, boosting investment and reducing dependence on foreign loans by strengthening domestic economic capacity.

The Jamaat leader said no budget could bring welfare to the people unless corruption in the administration, tax administration, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Service Commission and the judiciary was reduced.

He alleged that if corruption remains unchecked, there is a risk that budgetary allocations could be used to serve partisan interests rather than public welfare.

He called for revising the budget to make it more people-friendly before its final approval.

Criticising increases in gas, fuel and electricity prices, he said, implementing a budget that places additional burdens on ordinary people would be difficult.

He urged the government to revise the budget in line with the aspirations of the people.

Porwar further warned that any decision taken contrary to public expectations would further distance the government from the people.