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Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has dismissed the opinions of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) about the proposed national budget.
“We are not concerned with what CPD, TIB, or SUJAN say. They all echo the BNP’s rhetoric. Their words do not align with their actions,” Mr Quader said on Saturday during a post-budget press conference at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka city.
The budget, proposed for the 2024–25 fiscal year, provides opportunities for whitening black money with a 15 per cent tax.
Criticising the provision, the CPD says it contradicts the ruling Awami League’s election manifesto, while the TIB terms it ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘corruption-friendly’.
Arguing for providing opportunities to whiten the black money in the proposed budget, he said, “It has been done to recover the money secretly held by many.”
“Besides, if it is brought into the mainstream of the economy, the flow of money will increase in the banking system.”
The Awami League general secretary mentioned that despite the opportunities given to whiten balck money, criminal activities would still be subject to existing laws and punishment.
Addressing the BNP, Mr Quader said, "The BNP talks big today....Their last budget was a mere Tk 680 billion. Despite that, [former finance minister] Saifur Rahman had to beg at various economic forums.
“No finance minister in our time has had to go abroad before presenting the budget. This shows the progress we have made.”
Expressing hope that inflation can be firmly controlled, Mr Quader said, "Through the coordinated efforts of various parts of the current government, we will be able to control inflation.
“This budget prioritises basic human rights, agriculture, domestic industries, and social security. It will improve the living standards of the country's people."
Asked whether actions will be taken against Awami League leaders accused of corruption, Mr Quader replied, “Provide us with a list of those you consider corrupt, and we will ask the ACC to investigate.”
Awami League presidium members Kamrul Islam, Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, and Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, among others, were present.