JP lawmakers' budget outcry irks Muhith

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday lambasted the Jatiya Party lawmakers for being critical of the proposed national budget for 2018-19.

"The comments of many of them are highly rude. I think it is not proper," he said at a press meet at his secretariat office.

Jatiya Party was a part of the cabinet which approved the budget proposals, the minister said.

"Yes, as an opposition, you need to play a role. But you should also keep in mind that you are a part of the coalition," he said.

"The speakers forget this."

He said the budget will be passed on Thursday and the finance bill today.

Some changes will be brought to the budget following suggestions from the lawmakers, businessmen, economists, civil society and media, Muhith said.

Speaking on the crisis in the banking sector, the minister said directors are responsible for the rise in default loans.

Muhith said he will take some steps in July to put a brake on the default loans.

He has already prepared a plan over the steps, which he will discuss with other cabinet colleagues and stakeholders.