United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged lawmakers across party lines to view the proposed budget as a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, saying the government is committed to fostering an inclusive economy, equitable development and a dignified life for all citizens. “This budget should not be seen only as the government's budget. Let us view it as a budget for rebuilding the nation. We want to build a Bangladesh where development is based on fairness, the economy is inclusive, the state is welfare-oriented, and citizens enjoy a safe, dignified and promising life,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has no alternative but to rebuild and move forward. Expressing confidence in the country's potential, he said the resilience and capabilities of Bangladeshis provide strong grounds for optimism. “We are people who live among the masses and know their realities. The people of Bangladesh are hardworking. Our youths are talented, our farmers are productive, our expatriates are patriotic and our entrepreneurs are full of potential. Therefore, we have no alternative but to rise again,” the Prime Minister said, drawing repeated desk-thumping from treasury bench lawmakers. He also highlighted the government's efforts to recover assets allegedly siphoned abroad during the previous regime. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries seeking cooperation in tracing and recovering laundered assets. “The entire Parliament will be pleased to know that the government has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries to bring back assets and money smuggled abroad,” he said. The Prime Minister said agreements have been finalised under international legal frameworks and several affected banks have signed more than 60 non-disclosure agreements with international asset recovery organisations. “We will bring back the people's money and assets as much as possible through legal means and international cooperation,” he said. On taxation, Tarique Rahman said the government's objective is not to increase the burden on taxpayers. “The people elected us and entrusted us with the task to govern the country. Increasing the tax burden is not our goal,” he said, adding that the government instead wants to increase revenue by expanding the tax base, reducing harassment and restoring public confidence in governance. “We want to create a revenue ecosystem where taxpayers willingly contribute to development and feel proud to be partners in the country's progress,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the tax system will be made more transparent and modern. He called for national unity to ensure that no form of fascism or authoritarian rule can return to Bangladesh, stating that political differences should not stand in the way of national interests. “On the question of strengthening democratic institutions, we will all remain united, InshaAllah. Let this be our pledge that no fascist or authoritarian rule can ever take root in Bangladesh again and that no one can turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” the Prime Minister said. “We may have differences of opinion, but on restoring the economy, reducing people's suffering, bringing discipline to the financial sector, rebuilding confidence, creating opportunities for farmers, youths, women, expatriates and entrepreneurs, and strengthening democratic institutions, we must remain united,” he said. Acknowledging the high expectations of the people, Tarique Rahman said his government remains committed to fulfilling them through transparency, strong political will and effective policymaking. “There is no benefit of hiding problems. We are committed to overcoming the deep-rooted corruption, irregularities and mismanagement that have weakened the economy,” he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He said the government expanded the legal aid programme introduced during the government of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and increased budget allocations for the judiciary. Tarique Rahman further proposed an additional Tk 100 crore for the Supreme Court and Tk 500 crore for the Ministry of Law to address accommodation shortages for judges, improve court infrastructure and support judicial development. He also stressed the need for a professional, honest and efficient civil administration, saying better public services require a skilled bureaucracy operating in an environment free from unnecessary political interference. Referring to the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy, the Prime Minister said many political leaders and activists from different parties suffered repression, imprisonment and even lost their lives. “We are indebted to them. That is why we must act more responsibly,” he said. On constitutional and political reforms, the Prime Minister said lawmakers should work together on issues, including constitutional amendments and initiatives linked to the proposed July Charter. “Just as we can work together inside Parliament on constitutional reforms and other issues, we can also build public consensus outside Parliament on important national matters and undertake reform programmes to move the country forward,” he said. He said the country's future depends on responsible political conduct and constructive engagement among all democratic forces. Tarique Rahman said the people elected lawmakers with the expectation that they would uphold democracy, human rights, justice and good governance. He said the government is committed to rebuilding an economy weakened by years of corruption, irregularities and mismanagement. The budget discussion was held with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair. Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also spoke during the debate before the Prime Minister addressed the House. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury later delivered his winding-up speech on the proposed budget.