Hefajat leader Maulana Karim hails budget FY27 as welfare-oriented

Maulana MA Karim Ibn Moshabbir, former central member of Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh and a key leader of the historic Shapla Chattar movement, has welcomed the proposed national budget for the fiscal year FY2026-2027, describing it as time-befitting, realistic, and welfare-oriented.

In a press statement, Karim said that Tk9.38 trillion budget reflects the country’s current economic realities, public needs, and national development goals.

"This is not an unrealistic or overambitious budget. Rather, it is a balanced and responsible fiscal roadmap formulated by considering the existing economic situation, global challenges, and the livelihood of ordinary citizens," he said.

The Islamic scholar appreciated the budget’s prioritized allocations for key sectors, including development, social safety nets, education, health, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure, which he noted would accelerate the nation’s progress.

Karim particularly termed the decision to increase taxes and prices on alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful products a "groundbreaking step."

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"Tobacco and drugs are severely detrimental to public health, families, and society at large. Increasing their prices will curb consumption among the youth, safeguard public health, and minimise drug addiction, crime, and social decay," he added.

He emphasised that building an advanced, prosperous, and moral state requires the parallel cultivation of social and human values alongside financial growth.

Expressing optimism over the smooth implementation of the budget plans, Karim extended his congratulations to the finance minister, respective policymakers, and the government for delivering a realistic budget aimed at ensuring economic stability and uplifting the living standards of the low- and middle-income groups.