Welfare agenda to shape next budget
Gaziul Hasan Khan, former managing director and editor-in-chief of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, has said that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman wants the principles of a welfare state to be reflected in the country’s upcoming budget, although significant challenges remain in both budgeting and implementation.
In an interview with The New Nation, the Ekushey Padak-winning senior journalist and freedom fighter said Tarique Rahman’s long stay in the United Kingdom had influenced his economic outlook and understanding of social welfare.
“He has spent 17 years in Britain, where ideas related to the welfare state, human rights and basic social protections — including food, clothing, education, healthcare, housing and employment — have shaped his thinking,” Gaziul Hasan Khan said.
“He has understood that if the basic rights of the people cannot be ensured, then the meaning of freedom itself becomes weakened.”
Formerly press minister of Bangladesh to Washington DC, USA Gaziul Hasan Khan added that economic growth and policy reforms alone would not be enough without ensuring economic security for ordinary citizens.
“No matter how many economic, budgetary, trade or investment policies are introduced, if people do not feel economically secure, everything else risks becoming meaningless,” he said. “Tarique Rahman has understood this reality.”
Speaking about the country’s socio-economic conditions, Gaziul Hasan Khan expressed concern over rising unemployment and the growing financial pressures faced by families.
“Many young people remain unemployed even after completing their education. Families are struggling with healthcare costs, while treatment for illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease has become increasingly difficult to afford,” he said.
“In many cases, people are unable even to pay for essential medical tests. Some families are being pushed into financial hardship because of healthcare expenses.”
According to him, Tarique Rahman has recognised these issues and is attempting to move towards a welfare-oriented economic framework.
“He has moved in that direction, which is a positive step,” he said. “However, the path is not easy, and there are many challenges ahead.”
Gaziul Hasan Khan also warned that sections of the business community could resist reforms aimed at strengthening welfare policies and market regulation.
“I fear that some influential business groups may initially oppose such efforts and may not allow him to succeed easily,” he said.
Referring to the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he recalled that she had once removed a commerce minister for failing to control market syndicates operating in major wholesale trading areas, including Moulvibazar, Sawarighat, Begumbazar, Alu Bazar and Karwan Bazar.
