Proposed Budget Is a People-Centric Budget, Says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the proposed FY2026-27 national budget as a pro-people budget aimed at easing the cost of living and improving the economic well-being of citizens.

Addressing a public rally organized by the local BNP at Chakaria Municipal Bus Terminal in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday evening, the Prime Minister said the government has removed taxes on several essential commodities to help stabilize market prices and reduce pressure on consumers.

According to him, taxes on daily necessities such as rice, lentils, edible oil, sugar, salt, and spices have been withdrawn to prevent further price increases and provide relief to ordinary people.

“We want to change people’s lives through the implementation of this budget. It has been designed with the interests of the people at its core,” he said.

Highlighting healthcare-related measures, the Prime Minister noted that taxes on medicines and medical equipment used for kidney and heart disease treatment have been reduced. Duties on lenses used in cataract surgeries have also been removed, which is expected to lower treatment costs significantly.

Criticizing opposition parties for their stance on the budget, he said those who oppose higher taxes on alcohol and cigarettes are not working for the welfare of the general public.

On infrastructure development, the Prime Minister announced plans to upgrade the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway from four lanes to six lanes, citing the growing economic importance of the region, particularly with the upcoming operation of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port.

He also revealed plans to widen the Anwara-Patiya-Banshkhali road corridor to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Addressing concerns of salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar, the Prime Minister said the government is working on a pricing mechanism to ensure producers receive fair value for their products.

In the healthcare sector, he announced that all 50-bed Upazila Health Complexes across the country would gradually be upgraded to 100-bed facilities, enabling rural residents to access improved medical services closer to home.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the people of Cox’s Bazar for their continued support and confidence in BNP candidates during democratic elections.