Gonoforum, Ganosamhati slam budget; AL dismisses criticism as ‘fabricated’

Ruling Awami League yesterday claimed that the proposed budget is “people-friendly”, but said its implementation will be challenging.

Meanwhile, Gonoforum and Ganosamhati Andolon rejected the proposed budget, terming it “full of rhetoric” and “anti-people”. Coming down heavily on the government for giving a scope for whitening black money and exemption to loan defaulters, they warned that the budget would force the country’s economy into a fragile condition.

“The budget is a unique charter to fulfill the aspirations of the people,” AL Secretary General Obaidul Quader said in AL’s formal reaction to the budget at the party chief’s Dhanmondi office.

Replying to a query on whether implementation of the budget will be challenging, Quader said implementation of a proposed budget is always a challenge. “But the new government has accepted the challenge.”

“Those who are criticising the budget are doing it from a negative frame of mind. Their criticism is stemming from anti-Awami sentiment,” he said.

Responding to BNP’s reaction that the budget was ambitious and anti-people, Quader said they have reacted the same way for the last 10 years, but every budget has helped build the country as a developing nation.

“Their criticism is clichéd and fabricated,” he said.

GONOFORUM

Meanwhile in their post-budget reaction yesterday at Jatiya Press Club, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said, “Interest of the common people has been ignored in many ways in the budget.”

There is no clear indication in the budget to root out poverty, inequity and unemployment problem from the country, the party said.

The budget will favour interests of the powerful business community and a vested political quarter, ignoring the overall interest of the common people, the party said.

Gonoforum General Secretary Reza Kibria said the budget will have a negative impact on the economy, as the country’s financial setback has not been addressed in it appropriately.

The government has become harsh over the interest of farmers, while it has ensured interests of loan defaulters, he said.

Terming the allocation in health and education sectors inadequate, Reza Kibria called upon the government to reduce budgetary allocation in unproductive sectors.

He said the proposed budget is the outcome of shortsightedness, where there are no initiatives to overcome the financial setback.

“A group of people is making money and plundering it abroad, and the budget will favour their benefits,” the Gonoforum general secretary said.

Describing the government as “unelected”, he said citizen’s wills and expectations are not reflected in the budget.

GANOSAMHATI ANDOLON

Meanwhile, Ganosamhati Andolon in its formal reaction at party headquarters in Dhaka said that there is “no accountability” in the proposed budget, and it will further strengthen the stream of plundering.

They also said that government has “failed to perceive the reality” which will lead the national economy to a “fragile situation”.

“As banks are unable to supply loans, the government has to depend on savings instruments… This way, the government is stepping towards a very dangerous path,” said Abul Hasan Rubel, executive coordinator (acting) of the party, while reading a written statement.

The government is increasing pressure on people through imposing taxes and VAT, while huge exemption zhas been given to “looters” who have been grabbing people’s money illegally, Abul Hasan Rubel added.

Ganosamhati Andolon also claimed there is no good governance in the banking sector.

Speaking at the press conference, chief coordinator of the platform Zonayed Saki said, “There is a limit to everything, including looting. The economic system, based on which the looting is happening, could be tumultuous.”