The BNP's alternative budget
Former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has presented what her party calls an alternative budget to the nation. We welcome the spirit in which she has made the move, given the fact that of late politics in Bangladesh has generally been caustic and stridently adversarial. The fact that the BNP has now come forth with suggestions that are positive and constructive will, we believe, serve the larger purpose of giving national politics a healthy aspect. While one may debate the points the BNP has made in its alternative budget, the truth remains that such a step happens to be the first of its kind in the history of Bangladesh's parliamentary opposition. That by itself is an indication that the kind of positive politics we have always looked forward to could indeed become a reality.
That possibility depends, of course, on where the ruling party and the opposition go from here. The encouraging bit here is Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's assertion that her government stands ready to accept any good suggestion which comes from the opposition. Our view is that the opposition has a clearly defined constitutional role to play and as part of that role the BNP has now offered ideas on the budget that ought to be taken seriously by the ruling party. Notwithstanding the fact, however, that Begum Zia has presented her alternative budget at a news conference, we must make it plain to her and her party that such proposals will acquire wider currency and greater credibility if they are made in Parliament. The BNP will not only be doing itself good service but will also help the country realise its democratic potential if it makes it its policy to engage the government on the floor of the House. For its part, the ruling party, because it happens to be presiding over the day-to-day fortunes of the nation, should go out all the way to cooperate with the opposition. Such a spirit will act as a spur to a smoother functioning of the JS and will surely promote the kind of consensus the nation would like to see emerge in national politics on the major issues it faces.
The points the BNP has made in its alternative budget are worth looking at. The party should ensure that it is not a one-off move and indeed that henceforth it will make its position on national issues clear and specific at regular intervals. The BNP's focus on gas exploration, the emphasis on subsidies in such vital sectors as agriculture, an expansion of the social safety net and the focus on climate change-related matters are thoughts that the government should utilize as a chance to provide the necessary space to the opposition. In other words, the government should reciprocate the BNP's move vis-a-vis the alternative budget in the spirit in which it has been made. Let it make sure, though, that its functionaries do not speak in discordant voices on the subject. The last thing we need is pointless arguments and mud-slinging on such a crucial issue. Finally, we urge the BNP that it rejoin Parliament and have its budget-related proposals go through full scrutiny in the House. Let it all be a purposeful exercise on its part.
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