BNP secy gen doubtful about success of efforts on price-hike
Saturday, 9 June 2007
BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan Friday expressed doubt about the success of the government's budgetary measures to bring down the prices of essentials, reports UNB.
In his reaction to the budget proposed for the fiscal 2007-08, Bhuiyan said despite proposing zero tariffs on essential items, the prices are unlikely to come down due to interference of middlemen in the market.
"Initiatives have been taken to control the prices. But I'm in doubt about its success as zero tariffs are not enough to control the prices without reining in the middlemen," he told reporters at his Gulshan residence.
Bhuiyan suggested a strict market monitoring system and enforcement of the existing laws to bring down the prices of essentials.
He said foreign dependence is still there in the budgetary measures where 49 per cent of the money will be mobilised from external sources.
However, Bhuiyan termed the budget as 'pretty much balanced' considering its limited resources.
He also said the budget proposals are not adequate to reduce poverty, though it is the main agenda and urged the government not to impose any more taxes.
He suggested more allocations for the power sector and said, "the power sector allocation should be increased."
Bhuiyan said there are many good aspects of the proposed budget where programmes are there to develop human resources. He said allocations for research as well as scholarships at the primary level are the good side of the budget.
Appreciating the government for the provision in the new budget to provide subsidy for the farmers, he said, "Now it's more important to see whether the farmers get the money without harassment."
Bhuiyan said there are further scopes to expand the safety net for the social sector. He said development of the poor people is impossible without creating jobs for the unemployed people.
He said the proposed tax on computer is not the right decision while the tax on newsprint should be reduced more.
The BNP leader said expansion of VAT and income tax is not bad but the concerned authorities should ensure that no one is harassed for that.
In his reaction to the budget proposed for the fiscal 2007-08, Bhuiyan said despite proposing zero tariffs on essential items, the prices are unlikely to come down due to interference of middlemen in the market.
"Initiatives have been taken to control the prices. But I'm in doubt about its success as zero tariffs are not enough to control the prices without reining in the middlemen," he told reporters at his Gulshan residence.
Bhuiyan suggested a strict market monitoring system and enforcement of the existing laws to bring down the prices of essentials.
He said foreign dependence is still there in the budgetary measures where 49 per cent of the money will be mobilised from external sources.
However, Bhuiyan termed the budget as 'pretty much balanced' considering its limited resources.
He also said the budget proposals are not adequate to reduce poverty, though it is the main agenda and urged the government not to impose any more taxes.
He suggested more allocations for the power sector and said, "the power sector allocation should be increased."
Bhuiyan said there are many good aspects of the proposed budget where programmes are there to develop human resources. He said allocations for research as well as scholarships at the primary level are the good side of the budget.
Appreciating the government for the provision in the new budget to provide subsidy for the farmers, he said, "Now it's more important to see whether the farmers get the money without harassment."
Bhuiyan said there are further scopes to expand the safety net for the social sector. He said development of the poor people is impossible without creating jobs for the unemployed people.
He said the proposed tax on computer is not the right decision while the tax on newsprint should be reduced more.
The BNP leader said expansion of VAT and income tax is not bad but the concerned authorities should ensure that no one is harassed for that.