Economists, researchers, labour representatives and civil society members on Saturday called for a more participatory and people-centred national budget, citing growing pressure from inflation, unemployment, debt obligations and rising VAT burdens.
The demands were raised at a day-long dialogue titled “People’s Budget Parliament 2026”, held at the Liberation War Museum auditorium in Agargaon and organised by the Democratic Budget Movement (DBM).
Speakers said low- and middle-income people are suffering most from the current economic situation, as soaring food prices, rising fuel and energy costs, increased electricity and gas tariffs, and a shrinking job market continue to make daily life difficult.
They also warned that increasing external debt and rising interest payments are reducing the government’s fiscal space for development spending.
Discussions at the event focused on ensuring fairness in the national budget, increasing allocations for social protection, strengthening food security and agricultural development, and creating more employment opportunities. Participants also stressed the importance of balanced revenue collection and debt management.
Some called for a more democratic budget-making process, with greater emphasis on district-level budgeting, stronger local government institutions and wider public participation.
They observed that Bangladesh’s current budget structure remains highly centralised and said more fiscal authority and allocation powers should be devolved to district and local levels to make development efforts more effective.
The speakers also highlighted the need to institutionalise open budget meetings, social audits and citizen engagement mechanisms.
Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, joined the programme virtually.
At the end of the event, participants adopted the “People’s Budget Declaration 2026”, calling for an inclusive, accountable and employment-oriented budget framework.
The declaration also stressed the need to strengthen the fiscal capacity of local governments and expand citizen participation in the budget formulation process.