News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, June 27, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman
Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho today described the proposed national
budget for FY27 as a people-centric and welfare-oriented one, saying it
reflected the government's commitment to justice, humanity and public
welfare.
Taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget for FY27 in the
Jatiya Sangsad (JS), he congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for
bringing honour to Bangladesh through his recent foreign visits to Malaysia
and China and expressed hope that the government would inform Parliament and
the nation in detail about the agreements and outcomes of those tours.
Referring to various budgetary measures, including expansion of family cards,
support for physically challenged people, export promotion, startup
assistance, reduction of duties on essential commodities, healthcare
initiatives and incentives for the pharmaceutical sector, he said the budget
clearly carried the message that "we care".
"I have seen one message in this budget - we care. That is the difference
between an authoritarian state and a government that genuinely cares for its
people," he said.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir-Bikram, in the chair, Partho said justice
and humanity were the two fundamental pillars of the state established by
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), adding that a welfare state
should uphold those same principles.
"The intention to ensure justice and care for orphans, women, distressed
people and persons with disabilities is extremely important. May Allah bless
this intention and bring prosperity to the country," he said.
Highlighting the need to nurture merit, the BJP Chairman said Bangladesh
possesses talented young people across different sectors who should be
identified and provided with opportunities.
"There are thousands of talented young people in every corner of Bangladesh.
Like a fast bowler (Nahid Rana) emerging from a remote village to represent
the country, we must build systems that bring deserving people forward on
merit," he observed.
Partho also proposed creating a comprehensive national database for zakat
recipients to make zakat distribution more transparent, organised and
accessible.
"We don't even know how much zakat is distributed in Bangladesh every year.
Every constituency should have a database of eligible zakat recipients so
that people at home and abroad can easily contribute," he said.
He suggested introducing a digital platform and mobile application to connect
zakat donors with eligible beneficiaries.
"People want to give zakat, but often they do not know where to give it.
Accessibility is the key," he said, proposing even a dedicated television
channel to promote zakat awareness and facilitate charitable giving.
Speaking on the banking sector, Partho said although Bangladesh could not
switch overnight from the conventional financial system, the government
should actively promote Islamic banking.
"Islamic banking is becoming a global trend. Countries like the United
Kingdom and Malaysia are promoting Islamic finance. We should also promote
Islamic banking in Bangladesh," he said.
Referring to allegations of irregularities in some Islamic banks, he
remarked, "The problem was with those who looted the banks, not with Islamic
banking itself."
He expressed the belief that greater expansion of Islamic banking would bring
economic stability along with "divine blessings."
On revenue collection, Partho acknowledged that the National Board of Revenue
(NBR) had historically struggled to achieve its targets but argued that
corruption during previous administrations had undermined tax collection.
"The NBR's track record was poor because corruption was patronised by the
state. The objective then was not national development but systematic
plunder," he alleged.
He also claimed that the banking sector had witnessed greater stability
during the tenure of the present government.
"You can't show a single case of a major bank robbery or politically
patronised bank looting during the last four months. Give this government the
benefit of the doubt because its intention is to build a welfare state," he
said.
Drawing attention to the development needs of Bhola, the BJP chairman urged
the government to treat the island district as a strategic economic hub
because of its huge natural gas reserves.
"Bhola has around 1.3 trillion cubic metres of gas. Use Bhola. It can become
the heart of Bangladesh's future economy," he said.
Partho called for speedy implementation of key infrastructure projects,
including Bhola Airport, a modern hospital, improved roads and educational
institutions, and the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge.
He also proposed constituting a separate Bhola Development Committee to
accelerate development initiatives and attract both domestic and foreign
investment.
Concluding his speech, Partho urged all political parties to rise above
partisan politics on budgetary issues and work together for national
development.
"Let us make the budget a national issue. If we work together with good
intentions, Insha'Allah, we will be able to take Bangladesh much further," he
added.
