Budget passed amid opposition walkout

In this June 16 file photo Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the parliament.

The Jatiya Sangsad passed the national budget for the fiscal 2013-14 on Sunday amid boycott by the main opposition BNP.

The budget outlines a gross expenditure of Tk 3,44,549 crore.

The BNP-led opposition staged a walkout as Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, who was presiding over the session, refused their demands to hold a discussion on all of their cut motions.

BNP has already held discussions on five cut motions out of total 56.

When the opposition lawmakers wanted to discuss on two more cut motions, the Speaker did not entertain their request.

Later, the budget was passed by voice vote in the session.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith had placed the budget in the House on June 6.