Only Sheikh Hasina’s government has the moral courage to take the challenge of implementing such a big budget, said Awami League General Secretary and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader.
The minister made the remark after visiting the Ferry service at the old Meghna ghat in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon on Friday.
“Government has brought several lakh people under social safety network as it has prioritized the poor.”
Terming the comments made by those who oppose the budget as ‘reckless’, he added: the opposition always pick up negative aspects; since this is a people-oriented budget, they are conspicuously vocal in its denunciation.”
Referring to the ongoing discussions that the budget is poll oriented, Quader clarified: “there is no connection with election; last year’s budget was also big.”
The government placed the budget, considering the challenges of implementing it, he added.
The senior leader of the current government observed that a budget is formulated, keeping in mind the development of the country and the interest of the masses.
“The budget has not been passed as yet; we are observing the reaction of the people.”
Assuring hassle-free Eid time home-going, the minister said: “The Meghna ferry service at the old jetty will start operating from Jun 12 to reduce traffic congestion caused at the Meghna toll plaza on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.”
However, the senior AL leader dismissed the possibility of ferry service at Meghna-Gomti near Daudkandi, citing massive siltation.
“We have informed the shipping ministry; if dredging is done in the coming days, then ferry service may be operated during Eid ul Azha.”
He also warned that traffic tailbacks will form if vehicles with glitches are stranded on the road or, if cars use the wrong side. “We are sincerely trying to tackle the habit of driving on the wrong side.”