Prof. Salimullah Khan said deficit budget is usual in developing countries. But creation of job opportunities should be the main objective of the national budget of Bangladesh.

Prof M M Akash of Dhaka University said inequality in the society remains the fundamental problem. Removal of inequality will automatically reduce poverty.

Some 60 per cent of the people are landless peasants, has little scope of earning. The number is gradually increasing, said Akash while taking part in the discussion on "Dreaming of A Self-reliant Bangladesh: Trade, Investment and Budget" at Jatiya Press Club.

He stressed the need for creation of employment opportunity. That alone will greatly alleviate poverty. He suggested promotion of labour intensive, Agro-based industries.

Mostafa Monwar of Unnayan Onnesha said 60-70 per cent of people of the country are poor as they have little scope for earning. They have no capacity of absorbing the price shock.

Prof Anu Mohammad of Jahangirnagar University said mere allocation of funds in the budget will not alleviate poverty unless the main cause is addressed. "The main problem is that we have no authority on our resources."

Ahmed Swapan Mahmud of VOICE said PRSP based on Word Bank prescription cannot alleviate poverty. Liberalising the market and privatisation will serve better the interest of multinational companies. The multinational companies will always look for reaping maximum profit and never care about alleviation of poverty.