Budget debriefing sessions to strengthen parliamentary democracy: Speaker

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Sunday said that organising budget debriefing sessions is a significant and timely initiative that will help strengthen parliamentary democracy by enhancing lawmakers’ understanding of the national budget and public financial management.

The speaker made the remarks while inaugurating a budget debriefing session organised under the “Budget Helpdesk-2026” initiative at the Oath Room of the Parliament Secretariat, said a press release.

The speaker said that increasing revenue collection, effective debt management and maintaining macroeconomic stability remain key challenges for the national economy. In this context, he noted that the Budget Helpdesk is playing an important role in promoting evidence-based budget analysis.

He urged members of parliament (MPs) to make greater use of the Parliament Library’s information repositories and research resources to develop a clearer understanding of the government’s fiscal policies and strategies.

“Lawmakers’ growing interest in budget-related issues and their active participation in parliamentary proceedings will bring positive outcomes for the nation,” he said, adding that the public is closely observing the activities of the current parliament, as the country’s future development and progress will be shaped through its deliberations.

The speaker also said that such programmes, supported by the European Union, are contributing to the strengthening of parliamentary institutions by ensuring effective participation and accountability of lawmakers, thereby helping meet public expectations.

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He later formally declared the budget debriefing session open.

The programme was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal. Parliament Secretariat Secretary Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address, while Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni spoke as special guest.

Addressing the event, the deputy speaker said that people had high expectations of parliament in the post-independence period and that the current parliament, formed after the July uprising, is unique in nature.

He noted that citizens across all constituencies are closely monitoring its activities.

“Parliament is the focal point of economic, social and state policies. Budget debriefing sessions will play an important role in building an information-based parliament,” he said.

Moni said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has presented a realistic and forward-looking budget aimed at ensuring the most efficient and disciplined use of limited resources.

He said the Budget Helpdesk is providing valuable support to lawmakers in collecting and analysing budget-related information.

Recalling past challenges, he noted that MPs previously faced various difficulties in obtaining budget information.

However, with the support of the European Union, the initiative now enables easy access to relevant data and creates opportunities for in-depth budget analysis.