Economists, researchers, labour representatives and civil society members today (16 May) called for a more participatory and people-centric national budget, citing growing pressure from inflation, unemployment, rising debt obligations and increased VAT burdens on ordinary people.
The demands came at a day-long dialogue titled “People’s Budget Parliament 2026”, organised by the Democratic Budget Movement (DBM) at the Liberation War Museum auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, reads a press release.
Speakers said low- and middle-income groups were bearing the brunt of the current economic situation, as soaring food prices, higher fuel and energy costs, increased electricity and gas tariffs, and a shrinking job market continue to make daily life more difficult.
They also warned that rising external debt and increasing interest repayments were narrowing the government’s fiscal space for development spending.
Discussions at the programme focused on ensuring fairness in the national budget, increasing allocations for social protection, strengthening food security and agricultural development, and creating employment opportunities.
Participants also stressed the need for balanced revenue and debt management.
Several speakers called for a more democratic budget-making process, placing emphasis on district-level budgeting, stronger local government institutions and wider public participation.
They observed that Bangladesh’s existing budget structure remains highly centralised and said greater fiscal authority and allocation powers should be devolved to district and local levels to make development initiatives more effective.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of institutionalising open budget meetings, social audits and citizen engagement mechanisms.
Among those who took part in the discussions were Kazi Maruful Islam, professor at the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka; Prof Sharmind Neelormi of Jahangirnagar University’s Economics Department; Prof Salma Akhtar of Dhaka University’s Sociology Department; agricultural economist Jahangir Alam; Rajekuzzaman Ratan, president of the Socialist Labour Front; Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Md Jamal Uddim Miah, director of BKMEA; Nuzhat Jabin, country director of Christian Aid Bangladesh; and Nazmul Ahsan Miraz, lead of Youth and Just Society at ActionAid Bangladesh.
Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, joined the event virtually.
At the end of the programme, participants adopted the “People’s Budget Declaration 2026”, calling for an inclusive, accountable and employment-oriented budget framework.
The declaration also emphasised strengthening the fiscal capacity of local governments and expanding citizen participation in the budget formulation process.
About The Author
