BNP opposes budgetary proposal

The BNP yesterday accused the ruling party of introducing the "culture of whitening black money" during its previous tenure, saying it would put an end to the culture if voted to power.
In its formal reaction to the budget proposal for fiscal year 2012-13, the main opposition party said it would not take the liability of Padma bridge construction if any deal signed by the Awami League-led government in this regard went against the interest of the country.
At a media briefing at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office in the capital, party standing committee member MK Anwar in a written statement said the proposed budget was not that big but its implementation would be a big challenge due to fund shortage and lack of administrative skills and political commitment of the government.
"The country is now in a subsidy trap. Macroeconomy will be under pressure to meet the subsidy cost,” said MK Anwar, also a former minister.
“Implementation of development programme will be difficult due to worsening law and order, tender manipulation, corruption and unstable political situation,” he said, adding that the money illegally earned from stock market and quick rental power plants would adversely impact the economy.
Replying to a query, standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said the BNP would not continue the scope for whitening black money if voted to power as "the party chairperson declared it unethical".
“The Awami League has started this culture in 1996 and this time they [AL] have widened its scope,” said Moyeen Khan, also a former minister.
“Where is the commitment to reduce corruption? It is now clear why the prime minister has backtracked from the pledge to disclose the wealth statement of her own, her cabinet members and family members,” the written statement said.
The BNP leaders also said the finance minister in his budget proposal mentioned nothing about the increasing house rent and transport costs, two major concerns for the city dwellers.
“Even this budget may contribute to deepen the economic crisis as the finance minister did not give any direction on how the budget will be implemented and how discipline will be brought back in the economic sector,” MK Anwar said.
He also alleged the government stood for some "corrupt persons" even after the World Bank's decision to stop funding some big projects.
Asked whether his party was planning to join the budget session, Anwar said BNP would consider the matter if the government creates a congenial environment in parliament.
BNP chairperson's advisers Osman Farruk and Sabih Uddin Ahmed were also present at the press briefing.