The national budget should reflect the demands of the marginal and deprived groups of people in a bid to make the country's economic growth inclusive, speakers said at a discussion of people's budget.
They said district budget can ensure the people's participation in working out the development programme and help remove social discrimination.
The People's Budget Assembly 2019 was held at the Institute of Engineers on Sunday with participation of nearly 600 people from different professional groups.
Convener of Parliamentary Caucus on National Planning and Budget Fazle Hossain Badsha chaired the event.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Welfare Rashed Khan Menon, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Employment Mojibul Haq Chunnu, former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman and General Secretary of Somajtantrik Sramik Front Razekuzzaman Ratan spoke, among others, on the occasion.
Parliamentary Caucus on National Planning and Budget, Centre on Budget and Policy of Dhaka University, Action Aid and Democratic Budget Movement organised the event
The speakers said there is no alternative to formulating a pro-people budget ensuring participation of the deprived section of people.
Mr Chunnu criticised the present trend of budget formulation. He said discussions take place after budget presentation and there is no reflection of people's opinions in it.
"Budget is presented and passed in the traditional way though reforms have taken place since the country's Independence," he said.
Menon underlined drastic reforms in the budget formulation.
He said focus must be put on reducing the gaps between rich and the poor which widened due to traditional practices in budget formation. "Budget ensures increase of property 121 times and we know its consequences…budget discussion must focus on removing discrimination," he added.
Dr Atiur proposed suspension of the budget session for a week after budget presentation. Budget discussion must take place after a week after all parliamentary standing committees discuss various aspects of allocations, he added.
He said formulation of pro-people and sector-wise budget must be ensured allocation in all sectors including education, health and job creation should be prioritised.
Rajekuzzaman Ratan said democratic system always prioritises capitalism and represents the rich and so migrant workers do not get their shares of benefits despite sending remittance.
Director of Mati O Manush Rezaul Karim Rana and Executive Director of BNKS Hala Sing Nu also spoke in the first session.
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