'Govt deceives people with mathematical jugglery'
The finance minister has deliberately threw the large budget to three governments -- the present government, the caretaker government and the next government -- although he knew well it would not be possible to collect such a huge amount of revenue or foreign aid, they said at a press conference in the city.
In the last fiscal, the government could collect only Tk 43,965 crore while the target was Tk 61,163 crore, and this year the government has proposed a budget of Tk 69,640 crore, the leaders said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. As the three governments will be tasked with implementing the budget, the BNP-Jamaat government would be able to enjoy benefits from it during the remaining period of its tenure, they said.
But the next elected government will have to face much difficulty in implementing the budget, they added.
Jatiya Oikya Mancha leader Abdur Rouf read out a written statement at the press conference. BDB Secretary General Major (retd.) Abdul Mannan, Tarikat Federation Secretary General Alhaj Maulana Zakir Hossain and Oikya Mancha member-secretary Commander (retd.) Abdur Rouf were present.
Whitening black money through purchasing car, land and apartment is bad for the economy, Rouf said, adding that if there is any need to whiten black money, it should be done through investing in industries, schools, hospitals and other productive sectors and the capital market.
Although the education sector got the highest allocation, the teachers' salary has not increased, he said, terming the highest allocation an 'eyewash'.
He also criticised the block allocation of Tk 6,100 crore in the budget, saying that there is no valid reason for earmarking such a huge amount.
The leaders also condemned the mass arrest and police attacks on people, journalists and politicians during last few days.
They announced that the three organisations will stage countrywide demonstrations on June 14 and hold rally at Muktangan in the city on June 15 to protest the 'anti-people' budget and repression by the government.