Budget 2017-18: Raushan happy with 'lively discussion'

Parliament has seen a lively budget discussion for the first time in three years, Opposition leader Raushan Ershad said in the House yesterday.

Noting that the budget for the next fiscal year drew huge criticism unlike the previous three budgets, she said, “I think the budget discussion is lively this time. I thank the finance minister for placing such a budget and creating scope for all to join the lively discussion.”

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Raushan, however, said the finance minister intentionally included some proposals in the budget to trigger a lively discussion among lawmakers.

Terming food adulteration a national problem, she asked the government to engage the army and Rapid Action Battalion in drives to stop the illegal practice that severely affects public health.

“When a natural disaster strikes, army personnel are engaged in rescue and rehabilitation of the victims. I'm making a call for engaging the army and Rab in drives to stop food adulteration,” she said, taking part in the budget discussion.

Mentioning that many students waste time on mobile phones at night, she urged the government to block mobile apps like WhatsApp and Viber late at night.

Raushan also urged the government to shut coaching centres and not to allow printing of guidebooks in order to improve the standard of education.