Post budget dinner cancelled at PM’s order

The post-budget dinner for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been cancelled on the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the decision was taken as part of the government’s austerity measures. The cancellation is expected to save the government approximately Tk50 lakh.

Every year, on the day the national budget is passed, the Ministry of Finance hosts a dinner at the Sangsad Bhaban. The event is typically attended by the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, members of the Cabinet, members of parliament, senior government officials, and journalists.

Atikur said during the tenure of former ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister’s Office spent an average of Tk30 to Tk55 crore annually on hospitality for its officials and staff.

In addition to that, an extra Tk10 to Tk12 crore was also spent each year. For example, in the 2018–19 fiscal year, expenditure under this head amounted to Tk302,297,335, he said.

The Bangladesh Tourism Corporation supplied food for the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, he said, adding that a substantial amount from that period remains unpaid, and the current government has been settling those outstanding dues in phases.

After concluding voting on various demands for grants, the national budget was unanimously passed in parliament today.

The additional press secretary further said after assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reduced hospitality allowances. This month, hospitality expenses for the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office amounted to Tk11,00,069.

He also said in addition, around Tk90 lakh was spent on hospitality for officials and staff of the PMO during the two Eid receptions held at the state guest house Jamuna.
Meanwhile, Atikur said, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remained busy throughout the budget approval process in parliament.

He said Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman arrived at parliament at 9:45am. He remained in the chamber from the beginning of the session and took part in the voting on demands for grants as well as legislative proceedings.

He added during breaks, the prime minister also attended to official duties and signed urgent and important files.

On 11 June, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in parliament