Economy
13 hours ago

Budget session begins today

Several important constitutional amendments likely to get through

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File photo

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The second session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, which will serve as its maiden budget session, is set to begin today at 3:00 pm.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has convened the session under Article 72(1) of the Constitution. The sitting will take place in the parliament chamber at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

According to the Parliament Secretariat, all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth conduct of the session.

The session is expected to focus primarily on the presentation, discussion and passage of the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the first of the current government.

In addition to budget-related business, the House may consider several important constitutional amendments in line with recommendations contained in the July Charter.

Ahead of the session, the ruling party held a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to determine its parliamentary strategy.

The meeting, held at the parliament complex, reviewed the performance of seven ministries. Briefing reporters afterwards, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam said ministers presented reports on their activities over the past month, existing challenges and measures taken to address them.

Regarding the health sector, he said preparations have been strengthened to tackle dengue and preventive measures have been taken nationwide against measles outbreaks. The meeting was also informed that the Health Ministry is taking strict steps to ensure the presence of doctors at the upazila level.

On infrastructure development, the Chief Whip said the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges had already floated tenders for the construction of 1,000 kilometres of new roads.

"The Prime Minister directed authorities to ensure cost-effective and corruption-free implementation of the projects."

The meeting also reviewed progress in the development of terminals at Chattogram and Mongla seaports and discussed issues related to the Teesta Barrage project.

In the power sector, ministers reported that a significant number of people had been brought under electricity coverage, while some adjustments in electricity tariffs were also under consideration.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed restrictions on carrying weapons, explosives and hazardous materials, as well as on all forms of rallies, processions, demonstrations and public gatherings in and around the parliament area during the session.

According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, the restrictions took effect from midnight Saturday and cover several key roads surrounding the National Parliament complex and adjacent areas.

"The order will remain in force throughout the parliamentary session."

The budget session is traditionally held in June each year to discuss and approve the national budget. Members of Parliament are expected to participate in extensive debates on the government's economic policies, development priorities and fiscal plans for the upcoming financial year.

The first session of the 13th Parliament began on March 12 and concluded on April 30.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com

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