BNP criticises govt for sidestepping dialogue ahead of budget announcement

The BNP has criticised the interim government for not engaging in dialogue with political parties prior to unveiling the national budget, saying such discussions could have fostered a minimum national consensus.

Speaking at a press conference this morning at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "If the interim government had the will, it could have sought input from various sectors of society—including experts, civil society members, business leaders, and youth representatives."

He added that such participation would have helped the budget reflect a more unified economic vision. “The budget could have echoed the voices of diverse social groups. Unfortunately, that opportunity was missed,” Khosru said.

He argued that with broader political engagement, the budget would not have been one-sided, limited in participation, or constrained by traditional thinking. “It could have introduced new ideas,” he said.

Referring to what he termed the "current special circumstances," the BNP leader stressed the heightened importance of political dialogue.

"The interim government says elections will be held between December and June, meaning an elected government will take office in the 2026–27 fiscal year," he said, pointing out that Bangladesh lacks clearly defined protocols for interim governance, unlike many countries following the Westminster model.

"In such systems, interim governments typically avoid major policy shifts, refrain from imposing significant new taxes, and do not launch large-scale financial programmes," he said.

Khosru added that consensus-based dialogue could have led to more practical budget allocations.

The BNP has consistently argued that only an elected government, with broad-based support, is fit to undertake national economic planning—ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the budgeting process.