The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Only transparent democratic practice in the country's political system can reflect the aspirations of the people in the national budget, said Dr Qazi Kholeekuzzaman Ahmed, president, Bangladesh Economic Association, at a seminar in the capital yesterday.

Addressing the seminar, he called for chalking out a long term plan to alleviate the

sufferings of the common people and improve their lot. He also suggested adequate provision for creating employment opportunities and reform measures in agriculture and land sectors in the next budget.

He was of the view that creation of favourable structures will be helpful in reforming the investment and economic sectors.

Sushasoner Jonno Proshasan (Supro), a non-governmental organisation, arranged the seminar on 'giving priority in agriculture, food security and mass health sectors in the proposed budget' at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Col (retd) Faruk Khan, an Awami League Leader, GM Kader of Jatiya Party, Hasanul Haque Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, former lawmaker AKHAM Jahangir Hossain Dr Gias Karim, a professor of Dhaka University, spoke as panel discussants.

Faruk asked the incumbent government to give emphasis on agriculture, enhance subsidy in the sector and ensure accountability of fund in every sector.

Jhangir Hossain pleaded for changing the process of preparing the national budget " as the MPs have no role in it.

Inu said we committed a blunder at the initial stage for surrendering to the concept of free market economics. He laid emphasis on decentralization of administration, good governance and vigil on the activities of bureaucracy to ensure human right and food security.

GM Kader maintained that all efforts of the government would go in vain if it failed to contain the populatioin explosion.

Sawkat said there should be transparency in the allocation of fund in the health sector to ensure proper treatment to the common people.

In his keynote paper Safiullah suggested adequate allocation of fund for research in agricultural sector. This will make the country self-sufficient in food, he added.

He also suggested publication of the national budget three months before of its approval.