PM describes proposed budget for FY27 as pro-people

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today termed the proposed national budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 as a pro-people one, saying the government announced this budget aimed at improving the living standards of the country's people.

"The budget which does not lead to an increase in the prices of essential commodities, it is certainly a budget in favor of the people. We want to change the fate of the country's people by implementing this budget," he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing a public rally organized by the local BNP at the Chakaria Municipal Bus Terminal in the district this evening.

"What have we done in this budget? We have withdrawn taxes on essential daily commodities. We withdrew the taxes previously imposed on rice, lentils, edible oil, sugar, salt, and spices so that prices do not increase," he said.

Highlighting several measures included in the proposed budget, the premier mentioned tax reductions on medicines and medical equipment related to kidney disease treatment, the removal of taxes on equipment used in heart disease treatment, and the elimination of duties on lenses used in cataract surgeries.

He said, "If a treatment that previously cost a person Taka 100,000 can now be provided at half that amount, who benefits? It is certainly the people who benefit."

Criticizing the opposition party's stance against the proposed budget, the Prime Minister said, "Those who protest tax increase on alcohol and cigarettes, do they really practice politics for the people? They do not."

"Before the election, we saw them selling various 'tickets' to the people. Didn't you see? (But) now they no longer talk about those tickets because they never had the authority to provide them. They just wanted to deceive the people, and secure votes and mislead the people. They work against the interests of the people and the country," he added.

Announcing plans to expand the Cox's Bazar-Chattogram highway to four to six lanes, the Prime Minister said, "On my way from the airport today, I asked (Home Minister) Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed where this straight road leads. He told me it goes directly to Chattogram. I then told him that the road looks the same as it did 25 years ago when I last saw it."

"But it seems to me that this road is extremely important. It will play a major role in the region's future economic development. This road should be expanded to at least four to six lanes. We will begin work on it as soon as possible, Insha'Allah. The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar road will be upgraded to four to six lanes," he said. 

Noting that Cox's Bazar has become increasingly important, particularly with the upcoming operation of the Matarbari Port, Tarique Rahman said, adding that the government has approved a project to widen the Anwara-Patiya-Banshkhali road.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the rally venue around 7:30 pm after inaugurating Matamuhuri Upazila and the local police station and greeted the crowd by waving from the stage. The rally turned into a human sea with the presence of thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters.

Referring to salt farmers in Cox's Bazar, he said, "Many people in this region are engaged in agriculture. Some cultivate rice, some are involved in fisheries, and many produce salt. A large number of people here are engaged in salt farming."

"Before Eid, I read a report in a newspaper that salt farmers were not receiving fair prices for their products. After reading the news, I immediately instructed officials concerned to figure out how we can ensure farmers receive proper prices for what they produce. Insha'Allah, within the next few days we will set a price so that salt farmers can get fair prices," Tarique Rahman said. 

At the rally, he also announced plans to upgrade upazila health complexes across the country, saying, "There are many 50-bed upazila health complexes. We will upgrade them to 100-bed facilities so that people in villages, upazilas, and municipalities do not have to go far or travel to Chattogram and Dhaka for treatment." 

"We have allocated funds in the proposed budget to transform every upazila health complex into a 100-bed facility. Is this in the interest of the people or against their interests? It is certainly in their interest," the premier added. 

Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the people of Cox's Bazar, saying the people of the district always vote for BNP candidates under the party's electoral symbol, the 'sheaf of paddy', whenever elections are held in a neutral environment. 

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Shamim Ara Begum Shapna, MP, spoke at the event. Other cabinet members, lawmakers and local BNP leaders were present at the event