Teesta barrage master plan to be implemented at any cost: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed a firm commitment to implement the 'Teesta Barrage Master Plan' as a national priority to address the long-standing demand of the people in the northern region and resolve the water crisis.

Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the 18th sitting of the 13th National Parliament on Monday, June 29, the prime minister announced the government's historic decision.

Tarique Rahman said this year's budget would be beautiful, normal and realistic, and would bring some relief to people of all classes and professions.

He noted that after the withdrawal of duties on 61 products, prices have remained stable. For the first time, no essential commodity prices increased after the budget announcement. He described the proposed budget as "life-friendly."

The prime minister acknowledged the country's multiple crises but said he did not want to make excuses. He said foreign exchange reserves had declined due to money laundering, but a democratic situation has now been established. He expressed a desire to move forward without looking back at the past.

He said both the government and opposition had agreed on some issues and disagreed on others, but they had been able to create hope among the people. However, he acknowledged they had spoken more about the past than the future in parliament, though the people want discussions about the future.

Tarique Rahman said it is because of the people that they are able to play a role in taking the country forward. He said the previous government had burdened the country with massive foreign loans for project implementation, which the people would have to bear for many years.

"We want investment-based production, not loans. We want to build a country where young people can create their own employment," he added.