The BNP has rejected the proposed national budget for FY 2025–26, accusing the interim government of bypassing political parties and the public in its formulation.
At a press conference on Wednesday in Gulshan, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the absence of a democratic government should have compelled the interim regime to consult with opposition parties and civil society before finalizing the budget.
He described the budget as one-sided, conventional, and lacking participation. “Inflation is nearly in double digits, yet the budget unrealistically targets 6.5%. GDP growth is claimed at 5.6%, despite official estimates showing only 3.97% last year,” Khasru said.
He cited World Bank data showing over 2.7 million people fell into poverty under the interim government. He also criticized cuts in key sectors like education, health, and agriculture, and labeled social protection allocations as insufficient and inflated.
Khasru warned that high interest rates and increased taxes would hurt the productive sectors, reduce employment, and increase pressure on the middle and lower classes. He criticized the lack of measures to reduce business costs or support SMEs and online entrepreneurs.
He added that the government`s reliance on borrowing, the absence of initiatives to recover defaulted loans, and the opportunity to legalize black money reward tax evaders and undermine fiscal discipline.
