Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today inaugurated the ‘Budget Helpdesk-2026’. Photo: JS

DHAKA, June 11, 2026 (BSS) – Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today inaugurated the ‘Budget Helpdesk-2026’, saying that the national budget is not merely an account of the state’s income and expenditure but a reflection of the people’s aspirations, development priorities and the country’s future economic direction.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest at the oath room of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, the Speaker said the helpdesk would support lawmakers in playing a more effective role in parliament by providing research-based information and data related to the national budget.

Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address.

Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni, MP, Leader of the Opposition Dr Md Shafikur Rahman, MP, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and Finance Division Secretary Dr Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder spoke as special guests, said a press release.

The Speaker recalled that the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) by late Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman under the BNP government in 1991 was a landmark initiative. 

He said the budget affects every aspect of people’s lives and parliamentary activities are conducted to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the citizens.

Emphasizing public welfare, he urged all lawmakers to carry out people-oriented activities by prioritising the interests of the country and its citizens.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the Budget Helpdesk, operating under the supervision of the Parliament’s Budget Analysis and Monitoring Unit with financial support from the European Union and technical assistance from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), would continue efforts to enhance the quality of parliamentary activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the Budget Helpdesk would serve as an important instrument in meeting the nation’s future expectations.

He noted that the three major sources of budget financing—taxes paid by citizens, domestic and foreign borrowing, and foreign grants—belong to the people. He said the size of the budget is not the main issue; rather, the major challenge lies in ensuring transparency in its implementation.

The opposition leader stressed that public funds should be spent for the welfare of the people rather than for the benefit of any individual.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the national budget should not be viewed merely as an income-expenditure statement, but as a reflection of a country’s development vision, governance priorities and the future expectations of its people.

He said the budget plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy, improving living standards and implementing the national development agenda.

Referring to international experience, the Chief Whip said a country’s global standing and capabilities largely depend on its economic strength. “Desired development can be achieved through efficient economic management, good governance and transparency,” he added.

The Speaker formally declared the inauguration of the Budget Helpdesk-2026 and wished continued peace, prosperity and progress for the country and its people.

Cabinet members, whips and members of parliament attended the programme.