Budget should be made for people of all walks of life: experts say at NTV event

The government should keep in mind the demands of people of all walks of life while preparing the national budget for 2021-22 fiscal year, analysts said at a discussion organised by NTV, a news channel.

"We are going through the toughest financial year. Due to corona, two crore people have become poor. Employment of 2-3 crore people is at risk," said Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

Inequality of income, wealth and consumption is increasing and the situation was not like this even 10 years ago, he said.

"The biggest challenge in the next budget will be the government's ability to spend while maintaining efficiency, transparency and quality."

Planning Minister MA Mannan was the chief guest at the event titled "Kemon Budget Chai" meaning "What kind of budget we want".

Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, agriculture minister; Jasim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, were also present.

The programme was hosted by Zahirul Alam, chief news editor of NTV.