United News of Bangladesh

Coming down heavily on the opposition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether they were protesting the proposed national budget due to the increased taxes on cigarettes and alcohol despite tax relief on essential commodities. Addressing a public rally organised by Cox’s Bazar district BNP at the Chakaria Municipal Bus Terminal, the Prime Minister said this was the first time that prices of essential goods were not increased immediately after the budget was placed in Parliament. Opposition opposing budget to create instability, mislead people: PM “Every year, prices of various essential items used to rise the day after the budget was presented. But Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, this is the first time that no commodity price has increased in the market after the budget was announced the day before yesterday (Thursday)," he said. The Prime Minister said in the budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027, taxes on essential goods such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar and salt were withdrawn to ensure price stability and give relief to the general people.