Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Saturday said the proposed national budget will benefit everyone, both the rich and the poor.
Speaking as the chief guest at a zakat distribution ceremony in Charsamia union of Bhola’s Sadar upazila, he said investment and exports would increase, alongside significant improvement in the country's communications systems, as well as development of the healthcare and power sectors, with the latter expected to generate 20,000 MW of electricity by December.
The minister also refuted BNP leader Moudud Ahmed's recent statement about the proposed national budget placed in the parliament on June 7.
The BNP leader had described the budget as a "big blue balloon which is empty," adding that it will not help ensure the people's welfare as it was made only while considering the next general election.
The commerce minister said in response that he (Moudud) did not go through the budget properly.
"This budget was made with poverty alleviation and social security in mind," Tofail said. "The poverty level during BNP's tenure was 46% while, during the current government's rule, it has come down to 22%.
Tofail expressed hope that the budget will act as a catalyst to realise the country's seventh Five Year Plan.
Chairman of Bhola Zila Parishad Abdul Momin Tulu, Sadar Upazila Chairman Mosharraf Hossain, Vice Chairman Md Yunus and other officials were present at the event.
