'People's expectations not reflected in budget’

Five Left Party, an alliance of left-leaning political parties, held a rally at Muktangan in the city to protest the budget.

Speakers at the rally rejected the budget terming it "anti-people."

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They said the budget reflected the views of imperialist powers and it has been tailored to deceive the people.

Tipu Biswas, Mahbubul Haq, Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, Abdus Salam and Shahidul Islam Sabuj addressed the rally.

The Jatiya Party (Manju) in a statement said there is no direction in the proposed budget on how to fight against poverty, illiteracy and unemployment and to improve health services.

The budget did not touch the current national problems including downslide in law and order, widespread corruption and unnecessary expenditure, said the statement signed by party Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam.

In another statement, Acting President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Moinuddin Khan Badal and General Secretary Syed Zafar Sazzad said the budget would not bring any positive change to the fate of poor people.

President of Bangladesh Chhatra League Liakot Shikdar and General Secretary Nazrul Islam Babu, in a joint statement, said the highest allocation for education sector is an eyewash.

Leaders of Jatiya Gono Front, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Biplobi Oikya Front, Gonotantrik Mazdur Party, National Teachers-Employees' Front and Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra also criticised the budget.