Jamaat proposes Tk8.4tn shadow budget
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday unveiled a shadow budget proposal amounting to Tk8.39 trillion, with a projected deficit of Tk1.74 trillion, outlining what the party described as an alternative fiscal framework focused on transparency, accountability and efficient public spending.
The proposal was presented by the party’s Ameer, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at a programme in Moghbazar, Dhaka.
Addressing the event, Dr Shafiqur said the proposed budget was designed with the broader interests of the country’s 180 to 200 million people in mind rather than any particular political party.
“We are not presenting this budget for any political party; this budget is for the people of the country,” he said.
“The proposal is achievable provided there is honesty, transparency and accountability. Without those qualities,
implementing any budget will remain a challenge.”
The Jamaat chief stressed the importance of sound fiscal governance and institutional accountability in ensuring the effective implementation of public expenditure programmes.
He also referred to past political developments, alleging that public expectations and democratic mandates had not always been adequately reflected in decision-making processes. Such developments, he said, could affect public confidence in political institutions.
Dr Shafiqur further expressed concern over what he described as increasing political influence in various sectors, including finance, public institutions and the media. He argued that merit-based appointments and stronger institutional independence were essential for improving governance and economic management.
The Jamaat leader also criticised the current structure of the fiscal year, which runs from July to June, arguing that it does not align well with Bangladesh’s climatic realities.
He noted that June frequently coincides with floods, cyclones and other natural disasters, while a substantial portion of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) is often implemented during the final months of the fiscal year.
According to him, this practice can undermine the effectiveness of development spending and reduce value for money in public projects.
To address the issue, he proposed aligning Bangladesh’s fiscal year with the calendar year, arguing that such a change could improve project planning, implementation and budgetary efficiency.
“We will propose in parliament that the fiscal year be synchronised with the calendar year so that development expenditure can be managed more effectively,” he said.
The shadow budget forms part of the opposition party’s effort to contribute to the national debate on fiscal policy, public finance management and economic governance ahead of the next financial year.
