Tk 9.83b spent for celebrating Mujib centenary, FM tells JS

The government spent over Tk 9.82 billion (982.91 crore) on programmes marking the Mujib centenary, including implementation of various events, construction of memorial platforms and sculptures of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and installation of digital state time-display boards, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury informed parliament on Sunday.
The disclosure came in response to a written question from Rangpur-3 lawmaker Md Mahbubur Rahman Belal during the 23rd sitting of the second session-the first budget session-of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
The lawmaker sought details of government expenditure on Mujib Year programmes implemented at district and upazila levels, including construction of and memorial platforms for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his bronze, copper and marble sculptures at government offices, and installation of digital state time-display boards. He also asked whether the government would consider the expenditure wasteful and take any action.
In reply, the finance minister said ministries and divisions collectively spent over Tk 9.82 billion (982 crore 91 lakh and 74 thousand) on activities related to the Mujib Year celebrations.
He also tabled in parliament a copy of the Statement of Expenditure on Mujib Year Celebrations, which contains a detailed breakdown of spending by various ministries and government departments.
Asked later whether the government would take any action regarding the expenditure, the finance minister said no decision had yet been taken and that the matter was under review.
Referring to spending during the previous administration, Amir Khosru said the Mujib Year expenses were only one part of a broader review of government expenditure.
"The Mujib Year issue is there, but beyond that, Tk 350 million (35 crore) was spent on food and hospitality for the then prime minister in just one year," he said.
"If we begin presenting all such accounts, many more issues will come to light. We are taking stock of everything, and I am confident that necessary decisions will be taken in the future," the minister added.

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