Govt unfazed by CPD, TIB criticisms over budget: AL
Staff Reporter :
The Awami League General Secretary (AL), Obaidul Quader, stated on Saturday that the government is unconcerned with the reactions from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) regarding the proposed national budget.
Speaking at a post-budget press conference at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka, Quader emphasised the government’s commitment to integrating undisclosed income into the banking system to enhance tax benefits.
“We are making arrangements to bring the undisclosed income of people into the banking system. The tax benefits will increase even more at banks.
Now, whatever the CPD, TIB, or Shujan said, we have no headache over it,” Quader asserted.
Quader hinted at a potential policy in the next fiscal year that would allow the legalisation of black money by paying a flat 15 percent tax, a move that has drawn significant criticism.
The CPD argued that this policy contradicts the ruling Awami League’s election manifesto, while the TIB labelled it as ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘corruption-friendly.’
In response to these critiques, Quader, who also serves as the road transport and bridges minister, dismissed them as mere echoes of the BNP’s rhetoric. “Their words do not align with their actions,” he remarked.
“There is no opportunity to pardon illegal actions. Those that are criminal offences will be judged according to existing laws,” Quader clarified, addressing concerns over the potential leniency towards undisclosed incomes.
He pointed out that many people fail to include all their assets in their tax returns due to various reasons, including reliance on others for preparing returns. “There should be an opportunity to correct these mistakes,” he added.
The government, Quader noted, aims to significantly increase revenue collection by bringing undisclosed money and assets into the mainstream and taxing the income derived from them.
Quader also directed sharp criticism at the BNP, accusing them of laundering billions of taka abroad while their acting chairman enjoys a luxurious life in London. “Mirza Fakhrul Saheb and others will have to account for that money,” he said.
Responding to the BNP’s budget criticism, Quader highlighted the strides made under the current government compared to previous BNP-led administrations. “Today, the BNP talks big. They talk about the financial market and black money. They talk about devouring the country.
Their last budget was 68,000 crore taka. Even then, Saifur Rahman Sahib had to run around with a begging bowl to various economic forums before the budget.
During our time, no finance minister had to go abroad and beg before presenting the budget. This shows how far the country has come,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about controlling inflation, Quader emphasised the coordinated measures of the current government.
“Through the coordinated measures of various parts of the current government, we will be able to control inflation.
This budget prioritises people’s fundamental rights, agriculture, domestic industry, and social security. It will improve the quality of life of the country’s people,” he said.
When asked about potential actions against Awami League leaders accused of corruption, Quader invited journalists to provide a list of those suspected of corruption.
“You (journalists) provide the list of those you think are corrupt, and we will ask the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate,” he responded.
The press conference was attended by Awami League praesidium members Adv.
Quamrul Islam and Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Organising Secretaries B M Mozammel Haque and Sujit Roy Nandi, Agriculture Secretary Faridunnahar Laily, Office Secretary Biplob Barua, and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan, among others.
