Proposed budget reflects govt's welfare-oriented approach: Andaleeve

Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman on Saturday praised the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, describing it as a welfare-oriented budget rooted in justice and humanity, while urging the government to promote Islamic banking, institutionalise zakat management and accelerate infrastructure development in Bhola.

Participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget in Parliament, the Bhola-1 MP said, "I see a message in this budget – that we care and it matters. This is the difference between an autocratic state and a government that works for the welfare of its people."

Referring to the early Islamic state in Madinah, Andaleeve said justice and humanity were its two fundamental pillars and argued that Bangladesh's development should be guided by the same values.

He welcomed the budget's provisions for family cards, support for people with disabilities, export promotion, start-ups, healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector, saying these demonstrated the government's commitment to improving public welfare.

Calls for Islamic banking, national zakat system

The BJP MP proposed establishing a national database of zakat recipients to make the collection and distribution of zakat more efficient, transparent and accessible.

He suggested developing a digital platform and mobile application to connect donors, including expatriate Bangladeshis, with eligible recipients.

"Many people want to pay zakat but do not know where to give it. If we create a proper database and digital platform, it will become much easier for both local and overseas Bangladeshis to contribute," he said.

Andaleeve also proposed launching a dedicated television channel to raise awareness about zakat and encourage charitable giving.

Highlighting the growing global acceptance of Islamic finance, he urged the government to strengthen Islamic banking.

"The world is moving towards Islamic banking. We should also promote it because we believe it brings divine blessings alongside economic development," he said.

While acknowledging that Bangladesh could not abandon the conventional banking system overnight, he said the country should gradually expand Islamic financial services.

The MP also defended the government's revenue targets, arguing that previous shortcomings in tax collection were largely the result of institutionalised corruption under the former Awami League government.

He claimed that large-scale banking scandals had become less frequent under the current administration and urged all political parties to support the budget as a national issue rather than treat it as a matter of partisan politics.

Push for Bhola's infrastructure, economic development

Turning to regional development, Andaleeve called for greater investment in Bhola, saying the district possessed around 1.3 trillion cubic metres of natural gas reserves but lacked the infrastructure needed to unlock its economic potential.

He reiterated his demand for an airport, a university, improved healthcare facilities and the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge, arguing that these projects were essential to attract investment and create jobs.

"Bhola is full of gas resources. We should treat it as the heart of Bangladesh's future economy and invest accordingly," he said.

He also urged the Prime Minister to establish a dedicated Bhola Development Committee to coordinate the district's development priorities and ensure the faster implementation of key infrastructure projects.

Concluding his speech, Andaleeve congratulated the government on the proposed budget and expressed hope that all political parties would work together to ensure its successful implementation for the country's benefit.