2001-02
shah a. m. s. kibria
(part I)
24th Jayistha, 1408
7th June, 2001
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent
and Merciful
Mr. Speaker,
I seek your
leave in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament to place before
this august House the budget for the FY 2001-2002 and the supplementary budget
for the FY 2000-2001.
2. This indeed is a memorable occasion in the history of
parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Never before had a Parliament in
Bangladesh the opportunity to approve six consecutive budgets. By approving
this sixth budget, the seventh Parliament will leave a remarkable instance of
uninterrupted political stability. I express my gratitude to Almighty Allah for
giving me the unique opportunity to place six consecutive budgets before the
Parliament. I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to daughter of
the Father of the Nation and the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But for
her guidance, dynamic leadership and extraordinary political acumen, I could
not have shouldered this heavy responsibility for last five years.
Mr. Speaker,
3. Today is the 7th June. On this very day
was unfolded a new epoch-making chapter in the long history of the liberation
struggle of the Bengali nation. The announcement of the six points programme
symbolizes the first revolutionary step in our struggle for independence. While
tabling the budget on this historic day, I would like to pay homage to Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, the great hero of our history and the architect of independent
and sovereign Bangladesh. His role was unique and ubiquitous in imparting a new
meaning to history and tradition of Bangladesh, in moulding secular national
sense and nationalism and in establishing their identity and a nation-state of their
own. Unfortunately, the assassins did not realize that they have struck a harsh
blow to the softest corner of the Bengali heart; they did not have the sense to
appreciate the enormity of this dastardly action. The brutal murderers did not
know that their sharp weapons could never silence the voice of Bangabandhu; his
thunderous voice will reverberate forever in this land and will continue to
shake the hearts of the Bengali people. Despite the concerted efforts of last
two decades to distort history, Bangabandhu's life and philosophy continues to
provide guidance and inspiration in every sphere - in political ideals of
Bengali nation, in economic emancipation, in evolution of democratic spirit, in
education and culture and in the triumph of liberated intellect. He will
forever be the very source of all achievements and inspiration of the Bengali
nation. Indeed all Bengalees who are animated by the ideas, ideals and
consciousness of the noble Liberation War are eagerly waiting for the day when
the verdict of Bangabandhu's murder case would be implemented, thereby ending a
shameful episode of our history. It may be recalled that in my budget speech of
11th June last year, I had stated that this trial process should be completed
at the earliest if we want to establish the rule of law in this country. The
unholy and antiliberation forces who were defeated in 1971 are still continuing
with their subversive efforts to delay the process of justice. The conscience
of this anguished and agitated nation will be assuaged only when the verdict of
the court is implemented.
4. I would also like to pay homage to four national leaders
Shahid Syed Nazrul Islam, Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed, Shahid Mansur Ali and Shahid
Kamruzzaman. The nation will forever recall with reverence their contributions
to glorious liberation struggle. Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has
earned the gratitude of the entire nation by initiating the legal process for
trial of these cruel and tragic murders. The nation is eagerly waiting for the
early conclusion of this trial. I also recall with reverence the contribution
of the valiant freedom fighters, the sacrifices of thirty lakh martyrs and two
lakh women whose lives were devastated by the war. Their contribution will
shine forever in the history of our liberation struggle. The "Eternal
Flame" lighted by Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina and the illuminated
Freedom Tower which is under construction will remain everglowing - ,
symbolizing the hopes and aspirations of the independent Bengali nation.
Mr. Speaker,
5. I would like to remind today the Hon'ble members of the
House of my observations in the budget speech of 1996-97 at the very
commencement of the seventh Parliament. In that speech, I informed the nation
through this august House that "the present government has inherited a
sluggish and fragile economy from its predecessor". Indeed, we inherited
stagnation in agriculture, dependence on foreign sources for food, major
dislocation in the electricity sector owing to failure in providing adequate
investment, a large deficit in international trade, anarchy and massive fraud
in the financial sector, an intransparent administration characterized by lack
of accountability and a frustrated private sector. In the context of the
prevailing situation, I stated in my budget speech in FY 1996-97: "The
greatest challenge before today's government is to accelerate growth by
infusing new life in a sluggish economy". At the twilight of the seventh
Parliament, I would like to inform this House with pleasure that we have
successfully redeemed the pledge of accelerating economic growth during last
five years. According to latest estimates, in FY 2000-2001 GDP in constant
price (base year 1995-96) grew at the rate of 6.04 percent. If the estimation
procedure used by the previous government (using 1984-85 as base year) is
applied, growth rate will stand at 6.6 percent. On the basis of new estimation
procedure, GDP, on an average, grew annually at the rate of 5.35 percent during
the period FY 1996-97 to 2000-2001. This remarkable growth was achieved despite
the meltdown of South Asian economies in 1997-98 and the longest and
devastating flood of this century in FY 1998-99. By contrast the average annual
growth rate during the period 1991-92 to 1995-96 which coincided with the rule
of the BNP government stood at 4.5 percent only. The contrast becomes all the
more striking in respect of per capita income. During five years of BNP rule,
per capita income in (FY 1995-96 constant price) grew on an average at the rate
of Tk. 28 per month. During last five years which coincides with the rule of
the present government, per capita income grew on an average at the rate of Tk.
48 per month (in the same constant price).
Mr. Speaker,
6. It may be mentioned here that old
estimation procedure based on 1984-85 constant price is more appropriate than
the new procedure based on 1995-96 price for comparing the achievements of the
present government with the previous governments because prior to 1999-2000,
GDP estimates were calculated on the basis of the old procedure. If the old
procedure is used, the annual average growth of GDP during the period FY
1996-97 to
2000-2001 turns out to be 5.83 percent which has been estimated at 5.35 percent
on the basis of new procedure. According to the old estimation procedure based
on the constant price of 1984-85, per capita income in Bangladesh increased by
only 23.1 percent during the period 1984-85 to 1995-96 whereas per capital
income in the same constant price increased by 24.3 percent during the period
1995-96 to 2000-2001. In other words, increase in per capita income during five
years under the present government exceeds the growth of per capita income in
long ten years under former governments.
Mr. Speaker,
7. An increase in per capita income is
undoubtedly necessary for development, but it is not sufficient. Economic
growth does not always yield benefits unless accompanied by equitable
distribution of income and social justice. The present Awami League government
as the inheritor and transmitter of the spirit of the Liberation War not only
encouraged economic growth but also undertook effective measures for
establishing social justice. According to estimates of Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics, Gini Coefficient (the index of income inequality) stood at 42
percent in rural Bangladesh for the year 1994-95, it declined to 36 percent in
the year 1998-99. Similarly, Gini Coefficient for urban areas for the
corresponding period declined from 49 percent to 43 percent. On the basis of
headcount index, the share of the poor in rural areas in 1995-96 was 47.9
percent, it declined to 44.9 percent in 1998-99. The share of the poor in rural
areas has further declined in the last two years. Life expectancy at birth in
Bangladesh in 1995-96 stood at 58.7 years; according to latest estimates it has
edged upto 61.8 years. The per capita intake of calorie has increased during
last five years. During the period April 1996 to May 1999, per capita calorie
intake in rural areas increased from 2206.1 kilo calorie to 2274.2 kilo calorie
and in urban areas from 2220.2 kilo calorie to 2280.3 kilo calorie. Social
development in Bangladesh during last five years proceeded faster than growth
of per capita income owing to the fact that the benefits of government
activities were delivered direct to the target group. UNDP uses mainly two
types of indices for measuring social development: Human Development Index and
Human Poverty Index. The preliminary estimates of both indices suggest a
significant improvement in social development during last five years. Human
Development Index increased from 42.6 in 1995-96 to 48.5 in 1998-99.
Furthermore, Human Poverty Index declined from 41.6 to 34.8 percent in
1998-2000. On the whole, there is no doubt that there has been not only a
quantitative shift in growth in Bangladesh but also a qualitative change in
growth itself. Under skilful leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,
economic and social development under the present government has not only given
a taste of a better life to the poor and the vulnerable but also ensured
significant empowerment of these groups.
Mr. Speaker,
8. During last five years the happy blending of economic growth
with social justice was not created by the invisible hand of the market. Such
growth has to be attributed directly to policies and strategy pursued by the
government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. There are five discernible
ingredients in this strategy. First, effective measures have been taken for
increasing agricultural production. Second, social security system was
established to ensure social justice for the destitute and the implementation
of innovative poverty reduction programmes was undertaken. Third, there has
been a significant increase in investment in education and health. Fourth,
macro economic stability was ensured. Finally, reforms were undertaken to
encourage investment in the private sector. I would now like to highlight the
implementation of these policies.
Mr. Speaker,
9. Growth in agriculture sector is essential not only for
economic development but also for social justice. The increased agricultural
production ensures additional supply of food for the poor and promotes
stability of prices. Furthermore, it reduces the dependence on foreign sources
for the supply of food. Unfortunately, stagnation prevailed in the agriculture
sector in Bangladesh owing to insufficient investment and the neglect of the
government. During five years of BNP rule, annual growth rate in agriculture
was less than half (0.5) percent. In fact during this period of nightmare for
agriculture and farmers in Bangladesh, agricultural production declined in two
out of five years. By contrast, agriculture in Bangladesh during last five
years of Sheikh Hasina's rule registered a growth of 4.2 percent per annum (at
constant price). Compared to performance of the previous government, average
annual growth in agriculture under the
present government increased by more than eight times. When the present
government took over, total foodgrain production in the country stood at about
19 million metric tons. The new record of foodgrain production in 2000-2001 is
estimated to exceed 26.4 million metric tons. During last five years foodgrain
production increased by at least 7.4 million tons. Total foodgrain production
in the country in 1975-76 was 13 million metric tons. During the period 1975-76
to
1995-96 total foodgrain production increased by 6 million metric tons in two
decades. What the previous governments could achieve in agricultural production
in twenty years was exceeded by the present government in only five years.
10. The revolutionary change in the agricultural sector could be
attributed to timely supply of inputs at a fair price. It may be mentioned here
that agriculture sector experienced distress owing to the failure of the
previous government to supply agricultural inputs and the overall neglect of
the agriculture sector. Eleven farmers were gunned down by the police during
BNP rule for demanding supply of fertilizer. Despite the commitments of the
previous governments to donors to eliminate subsidy on fertilizer and defying
all pressures, the present government has continued direct subsidy for
fertilizer. During last five years, subsidy to the tune of Tk. 511 crore was
provided for fertilizer only. Similarly, hidden subsidy has been provided for
electricity used in irrigation equipment and for diesel. During the current
fiscal year, cross subsidy on electricity and fertilizer was 26.6 percent and
in case of diesel 27 percent. In order to encourage mechanization of
agriculture, import duty on irrigation equipment, power tiller and other
agricultural equipment has been withdrawn. There has been an unprecedented
expansion of agricultural credit. The average annual disbursement of agricultural
credit during BNP rule stood at Tk. 1195 crore. During first four years of the
present government it increased to
Tk. 2395 crore - which is more than 200 percent higher than the previous
average. In FY 1998-99, agricultural credit from the institutional sources
stood at Tk. 3245 crore. Furthermore, facility of agricultural credit has been
extended to sharecroppers in 1998-99. The procurement of foodgrain from the
internal sources has been significantly expanded with a view to ensuring fair
price. In 1995 internal procurement of foodgrain stood at 2.4 lakh metric tons,
in 2000 it has been raised to 10.47 lakh metric tons. In 1995, internal
procurement price of wheat per quintal was Tk. 750, it was raised in 2000 to Tk. 890 - an increase of 18.6 percent. Similarly procurement price of Boro rice
was increased by 15 percent and in case of Aman by 18 percent. I would like to
express my gratitude to Almighty Allah for this remarkable success in raising
foodgrain production. I would like to congratulate the dedicated peasants whose
hard work has won for Bangladesh the distinction of food autarky. This rare and
glorious success was achieved by the coordinated response on a priority basis
by the concerned ministries under the farsighted leadership of Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina.
Mr. Speaker,
11. Bangladesh contains a significant share of the ultrapoor in
the world. The percolation effects of economic growth failed to evoke any
response in this invincible fortress. Unfortunately, the previous governments
lacked clear vision on poverty alleviation. There is, therefore, no worthwhile
record of their involvement or achievement in this area. They had no elaborate
programme and their activities were limited to donor assisted relief and
scattered micro credit projects. Poverty in Bangladesh is both widespread and
complex. Poverty in Bangladesh is not homogenous. There are various dimensions
of poverty in Bangladesh whose origin, nature and solutions are different. The
present government has, therefore, adopted separate programmes for different
target groups.
12. First, there is a large number of
ultrapoor in the country who could not escape from the vicious cycle of poverty
without social safety nets. Before the assumption of office by the Awami League
government, there was no system of social security for the elderly in
Bangladesh. The programme for paying allowance to the elderly was launched in
FY 1997-98. Under this programme, more than 4 lakh elderly persons receive a
regular monthly allowance of Tk. 100 per month. Since 1998-99, a new programme
was launched to provide similar monthly allowance to about 2 lakh destitute
women, widows and abandoned wives. A National Foundation for the handicapped
has been established with an initial allocation of Tk. 10 crore for the training
and rehabilitation of the handicapped. Six homes for the care of the elderly
have been set up at a cost of
Tk. 10 crore. Furthermore, a welfare trust at a cost of Tk. 5 crore has been
established for destitute women and children. The previous governments failed
to undertake such meaningful measures for the amelioration of the lot of the
ultrapoor.
13. Secondly, housing for the poor was totally neglected by the
previous governments. Since the assumption of office by the present government,
two types of projects for providing shelter to the poor were undertaken. Asrayan (Provision of Shelter) project
has been undertaken under the personal initiative and supervision of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina for solving housing problems of those ultrapoor who do
not own any homestead. Houses have already been constructed under this project
for 29 thousand ultrapoor and microcredit to the tune of Tk. 17.2 crore has
been distributed for their self-employment. Furthermore, construction of
additional 18 thousand houses is under construction. The Housing Fund has been
established for those poor who lack suitable accommodation but own homestead.
Already 66 crore taka has been disbursed as loan under this programme for the
construction of house for 33 thousand families. The construction of eighteen
thousand houses have been completed. No other previous government has provided
housing loan on easy terms to the rural poor. Indeed by funding these projects
for assisting the shelterless poor, the government of Sheikh Hasina has set a
new standard for public service and good governance.
14. Furthermore, the present government has recast the existing
poverty alleviation programmes by expanding and consolidating them. Food for
Works Programme, Test Relief, Vulnerable Group Feeding and Vulnerable Group
Development programmes were significantly expanded with a view to providing
adequate food for the poor. During the period 1991-92 to 1995-96, on an
average, 8.33 lakh metric tons of foodgrain per year were distributed. It
increased to 12.27 lakh metric tons per year during the period 1995-96 to
2000-2001. The distribution of foodgrain has been increased by about 47 percent
and the expanded programmes were mainly funded from the domestic sources.
15. The present government introduced new income generating
programmes and expanded the existing micro credit programmes. "One House
One Farm" project was launched under the personal initiative of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina with a view to organizing every family in rural Bangladesh
on the basis of cooperatives and by using unutilized resources through training
to make such houses developed self-sufficient farms. The estimated cost of the
project is Tk. 141 crore. We expect that this revolutionary programme will
assume the character of a social movement which will augur a silent revolution
in the rural areas. With a view to providing credit for profitable and
productive employment, Karma Sangsthan Bank was established on 22nd September,
1998. The Bank has meanwhile disbursed credit to the tune of Tk. 40 crore to 12
thousand educated and unemployed youth. The average size of loans in the bank
is about Tk. 33 thousand. The cumulative disbursement of fourteen ministries in
various micro credit projects stands at Tk. 3445 crore, while the cumulative
disbursement of micro credit from nationalized banks so far totals Tk. 7005
crore. Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has been strengthened for lending
funds to the NGOs and a credit of $ 181 million has been lined up from the IDA
for ensuring continuous funding by PKSF. According to a survey, 10.2 million
members have so far borrowed about Tk. 10900 crore from the NGOs. Never before
in the history of Bangladesh, projects on such a wide scale were ever
undertaken for the alleviation of poverty. Because of the efforts of the
Government, the benefits of development could be delivered to poorest segment
of the population.
Mr. Speaker,
16. Neither its natural resources nor its physical capital but its
people constitute the greatest asset for Bangladesh. Human resource development
is both a means and end of development in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has an
enviable record in respect of human resource development in last five years.
The adult literacy for persons of 15 and above stood at 47.3 percent in 1995, it
has increased to 64 percent in 2000. The percentage of students in the age
bracket of five to twenty four years was 50.1 in 1996, it has increased to 55.9
percent in 1998. The infant mortality rate per thousand has decreased from 67
in FY 1995-96 to 57 in FY 1997-98. Average life expectancy has increased by 3.1
years during last five years. The Government has taken three noteworthy
measures for development of human resources during last five years. First,
expenditure in social sectors has been expanded rapidly. In FY 1995-96, the
combined allocation in revenue and development budget for health and education
sectors was Tk. 5133 crore; in the revised budget for FY 2000-2001, the
allocation has jumped to Tk. 8469 crore. Secondly, Education Policy and Health Policy
were approved by the Government. The previous governments failed to finalize
two such vital policies. The phased implementation of these policies has
already commenced. Finally, special programmes have been undertaken for
training and application of information technology with a view to promoting
human development. The import duty and other levies on computer were withdrawn
for encouraging widespread use of information technology in the country.
Mr. Speaker,
17. The proper macroeconomic management is an essential
precondition for sustainable development. Inflation is not merely an impediment
to development, it also leads to unemployment and erosion of purchasing power
of the poorer segments of the population. The distinguished economist John
Maynard Keynes rightly said, "There is no subtler, no surer means of
overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency".
Bangabandhu also identified it as the principal enemy of three major enemies in
Bangladesh. In the budget speech of 1996-97, I pledged: "Appropriate macro
policies will be pursued in order to stabilize the economy". After five
years of macro management, I am glad to inform this august House that despite
high growth and natural calamities, we have succeeded in maintaining economic
stability. During the period July 1996 to March 2001, the average annual
inflation rate was 4.5 percent. However, the rate of inflation has
significantly decreased during last two years. The inflation rate for the first
nine months of the current fiscal year calculated on the basis of average
monthly rates stand at 1.59 percent. By contrast, the average inflation rate of
all developing countries, according to estimates of IMF, was 6.2 percent for
the year 2000 and is expected to stand at 5.2 percent in 2001. The average
inflation rate in Bangladesh for FY 1999-2000 was 3.41 percent. Thanks to
appropriate monetary and fiscal policies, inflation rate was significantly
curbed during last two years despite sudden rise in petroleum products,
economic meltdown in Southeast Asia and the devastating flood in 1998.
18. Low inflation rate is not sufficient for
macroeconomic stability, it is also essential to augment the foreign exchange
reserves. The Government has pursued a three-fold policy for maintaining
balance in the external sector. First, different assistance schemes including
subsidy were undertaken with a view to stimulating exports. Total subsidy in FY
2000-2001 for industries using domestic raw materials in RMG industry, selected
leather products, manufactured jute products, flower and artificial flower etc.
stood at Tk. 797 crore. This has considerably strengthened the competitiveness
of our exporters. Secondly, flexible exchange rate policy has been pursued with
a view to encouraging exports. The exchange rate is determined on the basis of
Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) which is calculated on the basis of daily
data. In the current year, Bangladesh currency was devalued twice and the rate
of devaluation was 10.5 percent. In FY 2000-2001, Equity and Entrepreneurship
Fund was set up with a view to encouraging the export of nontraditional
products. The participation of this fund in the equity of export-oriented
industries will reduce the risk and cost of the entrepreneurs.
Mr. Speaker,
19. In the very first budget of this
government, we promised that private sector shall be the engine of growth in
the economy and the role of the government will be limited to promotion of
environment and opportunities for development. With this aim in view, a number
of measures were undertaken during last five years for stimulating private
investment. All sectors except four sensitive sectors have been opened to
domestic and foreign entrepreneurs. Foreign direct investment has been attracted
to infrastructure sector. According to estimates of World Bank, Bangladesh has
already attracted foreign investment to the tune of $ 1.9 billion in
electricity, telecommunication, gas and port during the last five years.
Furthermore, a number of reform programmes were undertaken to promote
investment in the private sector. First, Capital Market Development Programme
has been implemented with the assistance of Asian Development Bank. Five Laws
have been amended and rules and regulations have been promulgated. Owing to
these reforms and application of information technology to securities market, a
solid base has been laid for the development of capital market.
20. Secondly, banking reforms were
consolidated during last five years. By establishing separate money loan
courts, promulgating Bankruptcy Law, strengthening central bank supervision,
amending laws and establishing good governance we have succeeded in stemming
the anarchy which we inherited from the previous governments. According to
latest estimates of Bangladesh Bank, gross default rate in scheduled banks of
Bangladesh stood at 41 percent in December 1999, it has declined to 34.9
percent in December 2000. In fact the net default rate (which is usually quoted
in international banking), which excludes provisions already made and the dues
from the government on account of state-owned enterprises, would be much lower.
21. Thirdly, reforms in the commercial sector were undertaken
keeping into account the interests of domestic industry. The average effective
rate of import duty was 17 percent in 1995-96, it has declined to 13.7 percent
in FY 1999-2000. Specially, the reduction of duty on raw materials has
stimulated industrialization in the country. Fourthly, measures have been taken
for administrative reforms. A project with the assistance of World Bank at a
cost of Tk. 229 crore has been undertaken for judicial reforms. The
Administrative Reforms Commission has submitted its report to the government.
The recommendations of this commission are now being scrutinized by relevant
authorities.
22. Finally, development financing has been arranged from domestic
and international sources for industrial credit. The implementation of
Financial Institutions Development Project with the assistance of World Bank is
already in progress. With direct government support, Agrani Bond and Equity and
Entrepreneurship Fund have created special windows for financing
export-oriented industries. In the meanwhile, the problem of sick industry has
been solved on a permanent basis by implementing the recommendations of a
committee appointed for this purpose. The present government had to resolve
satisfactorily the problem of sick industries which was created by myopic and
inappropriate policies of the previous governments. Furthermore, privatization
programme has been recast in the light of experience. On the whole, a suitable
climate has been created for investment in the country. We are already
receiving the dividend of business-friendly policies in the form of increased
private sector investment.
Mr. Speaker,
23. The experience of last five years indicates that the policies
pursued by the present government have been fruitful in both accelerating
growth and in establishing social justice. It is, therefore, incumbent on us to
intensify and consolidate the implementation of these policies. It is also
obvious that Bangladesh has the distinct potentialities to attain more than
what has been achieved in last five years. With a view to moving in tandem with
the rest of the world, we will have to recast our old and outdated
administrative system in the light of ideals and policies of our constitution.
We will have to reduce the gap between the potentialities and actual
achievement through rapid implementation of reforms. If reelected, we plan to
initiate second phase of reforms which would include effective reforms in
administration, state-owned enterprises, banking system and commercial sector.
A Revenue Commission will be set up to suggest ways and means for mobilization
of additional resources to meet the requirements of long term development.
Furthermore, a Public Expenditure Review Commission will be appointed to submit
recommendations to the government for best utilization of resources in the
public sector. Necessary reforms will be undertaken in economic management on
the basis of the findings of these two commissions. However, all reforms must
be consistent with our experience. We will never accept reforms imposed from
outside. We will commence second phase of reforms after creating necessary
public opinion and public support.
Mr. Speaker,
24. I would now like to present the main economic trends of FY
2000-2001. From the GDP estimates it appears that in FY 2000-2001, Agriculture
and Forestry sector grew by 4 percent, the corresponding growth rate was 6.92
percent in the previous fiscal year. Indeed four percent increase in
agricultural production in the current year despite extraordinary growth in
agriculture in the previous year is an enviable achievement. Industry in FY
2000-2001 will register a growth of 9.1 percent. This is the highest growth
rate in last five years. The growth rate in the industrial sector plummeted to
3.19 percent in the wake of devastating flood in FY 1998-99. It edged upto 4.76
percent in FY 1999-2000. The acceleration of growth in industrial sector in the
current year may be mainly attributed to reduction of duty on raw materials and
business-friendly policies. Growth in the construction sector in FY 2000-2001
was 7.93 percent which is slightly less than previous year's growth rate (8.48
percent). In fiscal year 2000-2001, fisheries grew by 8.4 percent; mineral
resources by 10.55 percent; power and gas by 7.02; wholesale and retail trade
by 6.25 percent; transportation by 6.25 percent, bank and insurance by 5.68
percent and health sector by 4.91 percent. All sectors registered positive
growth in FY 2000-2001 and the lowest rate of growth for a sector was 3.09
percent. The provisional estimates indicate that domestic and national saving
rate for FY 2000-2001 was 17.88 and 23.1 percent respectively. The
corresponding rates for FY 1995-96 was 14.9 percent and 20.17 percent
respectively. The latest estimates suggest that 23.63 percent of GDP was
invested in FY 2000-2001. The share of investment in GDP in 1995-96 stood at
19.99 percent. High growth rates in last five years may, therefore, be directly
attributed to remarkable expansion of investment.
Mr. Speaker,
25. A cautious expansionary monetary policy was pursued in FY
2000-2001. In the previous fiscal year, expansionary monetary policy was
followed to counteract the recessionary effects resulting from the flood in
1998. The annual growth of broad money during the period April 1999 to March
2000 was 19.18 percent. It has declined to 15.38 percent during the period
April 2000 to March 2001. However, this growth is limited to only 10.31 percent
in first nine months of the current fiscal year. Furthermore, government
borrowing has significantly decreased during first nine months of current
fiscal year and borrowing by the private sector went up. During the period July
1999 to March 2000 government borrowing increased by 39.42 percent, the
corresponding rate for the current fiscal year has decreased to 14.93 percent.
During the period July 1999 to March 2000, private sector borrowing increased
by 5.78 percent, in the corresponding period in the current year it increased
by 10.63 percent. With the acceleration of industrial growth, private sector
borrowing has picked up.
26. In FY 2000-2001, exports during first nine months of the
fiscal year increased by 15.92 percent in dollar terms. In FY 1998-99, export
growth came down to 3.2 percent in the wake of 1998 flood. It increased to 8.2
percent in FY 1999-2000. Exports of frozen food, leather products, tea and
knitwear registered significant increases. However, the export of jute and jute
products fell in view of insufficient demand in the international market.
Despite the fluctuations in monthly growth rates of remittance by expatriate
citizens, total remittance is estimated to be around $ 1.9 billion. The growth
of imports in the first six months of current fiscal year is estimated at 17.82
percent. Though foodgrain imports decreased, imports of machinery, petrol and
petroleum products and industrial raw materials registered significant growth.
With a view to promoting growth of exports, Bangladeshi taka was devalued by
5.26 percent on 24th May, 2001. Furthermore, it has been decided that the
existing subsidy on exports will continue on the same terms and conditions in FY
2001-2002. The expatriate nationals have significantly contributed to foreign
exchange earnings. As a token of recognition of their contribution, I propose
to issue special V.I.P. card, gold card and silver card respectively to those
who remit more than one lakh, fifty thousand and twenty thousand dollars in a
year. The cardholders will be entitled to encash travellers cheques without
commission, will be allowed to special facilities in the airport and will be
given priority in booking seats in internal flights, railway ticket and bus
tickets in the BRTC. The detailed rules will be issued shortly by Bangladesh
Bank.
Mr. Speaker,
27. I would now like to present the salient features of the revised
budget for FY 2000-2001. In the original budget of this fiscal year, total
revenue receipts were estimated at
Tk. 24,198 crore, of which Tk. 18,000 crore was the target for taxes controlled
by the NBR and the receipts of other taxes and non-tax revenues were estimated
at Tk. 6,198 crore. Thanks to satisfactory increase in imports and
administrative improvements, actual collection of the NBR for the first nine
months has exceeded the target. Taking into account the trends of revenue
collection of the NBR in the current year, I propose to refix the target for
NBR at
Tk. 18,300 crore. In view of the losses in the state-owned enterprises and
shortfall in NBR taxes, estimates for receipts of other taxes and non-tax
revenues have been reduced from Tk. 6,198 crore to Tk. 5,873 crore. On the
whole, there will be a revenue shortfall of Tk. 25 crore only. In the current
fiscal year, the sale of saving certificates has increased dramatically. In FY
2000-2001, the gross sale target of saving certificates was Tk. 4799 crore and
the net target was fixed at Tk. 2400 crore. In the first nine months of the
current fiscal year, total gross sale of saving certificates stood at Tk. 4559
crore and the net receipts already totalled Tk. 2822 crore against target of Tk. 2400
crore. Taking into account, the actual trends in sale of saving
certificates the net receipts under this head is estimated to increase by Tk.
1129 crore. Considering the reduction of expenditure under capital head and
additional sale of saving certificates, total receipts under capital and
non-bank borrowing head will increase by Tk. 1397 crore. Excluding shortfall of
Tk. 25 crore in revenue receipts, net additional resources will stand at Tk.
1372 crore.
Mr. Speaker,
28. In FY 200-2001, total revenue expenditure is proposed to be
raised from Tk. 19633 crore in the original budget to Tk. 20,662 crore in the
revised budget. The main reasons for the increase in revised budget are as
follows: increase in the rate of government subvention for teachers in private
schools (Tk. 243 crore), increase in subsidy on exports (Tk. 200 crore),
increased expenditure for disaster management and relief (Tk. 190 crore),
increase on account of interest on domestic loans (Tk. 378 crore) and the
purchase of arms, equipment for peacekeeping operations by Bangladesh armed
forces (net Tk. 114 crore) and pension on revised salary (195 crore). The
original target for ADP was 17500 crore. It is proposed to be raised to
Tk. 18200 crore in the revised budget. Despite the increase in the saving
certificates, total additional resources for the revenue budget could not be
met from borrowing from non-banking sources alone and total borrowing from the
banking system is estimated to stand at Tk. 3764 crore. In the original budget,
total bank borrowing was estimated at Tk. 3514 crore. The experience of last
two years indicates that the likelihood of inflationary pressures from such
bank borrowing is very slim. On the contrary, such deficit will be helpful for
providing essential resources for development.
29. Total revenue receipts for FY 2001-2002 have been estimated at
Tk. 27239 crore. This target is 12.6 percent above the original target of FY
2000-2001. The total target for taxes controlled by the National Board of
Revenue has been fixed at Tk. 20730 crore. This target is 15.2 percent above
the original budget estimate and 13.3 percent above the revised budget estimate
for FY 2000-2001. It may be mentioned here that in first ten months of the
current fiscal year, actual receipts of the NBR increased by 22.48 percent
above last year's actual receipts in the corresponding period. The target for
non-NBR taxes and non-tax revenues has been fixed at Tk. 6509 crore for FY
2001-2002 which is 5 percent above current year's original target and 10.8 percent
above revised target.
Mr. Speaker,
30. Total revenue expenditure for FY 2001-2002 has been estimated
at Tk. 22038 crore. This represents an increase of 12.2 percent above the
original allocation for FY 2000-2001 and 6.7 percent above the revised allocation.
The continuous increase in interest payment on cumulative loans of the
government, the absorption of development staff in revenue budget and the cost
for operation and maintenance of development projects contribute to swelling of
revenue budget every year. However, in the budget for FY 2001-2002, special
provisions of Tk. 200 crore for the NAM Conference and Tk. 160 crore for
national and Upazila election have also been proposed. Excluding the special
allocations, revenue budget for FY 2001-2002 would increase by 10.4 percent
compared to the original estimate in FY 2000-2001.
31. The size of Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY
2001-2002 has been proposed to be fixed at
Tk. 19000 crore. In addition to ADP, a sum of Tk. 622 crore has been allocated
for FFW in the development budget. ADP allocation for 2001-2002 is 8.6 percent
higher than the original target of the previous year and 4.39 percent higher
than the revised target. About 51.3 percent resources for the proposed
allocation will come from foreign sources while 48.7 percent will come from
domestic sources. Of 9251 crore taka earmarked as domestic resources, Tk. 5201
crore is estimated to be provided by revenue surplus and the rest will come
from the income of government departments and statutory public authorities,
sale of saving certificates and other investments and borrowing from Bangladesh
Bank and other commercial banks.
Mr. Speaker,
32. In line with the election manifesto of Awami League, highest
priority in sector-wise allocation has been given to poverty alleviation
programmes. In the ADP for FY 2001-2002, total allocation for poverty
alleviation programmes including Food for Work has been fixed at Tk. 6432 crore. In the original ADP for FY 2000-2001, total allocation for these programmes
stood at Tk. 6006.1 crore. In other words, allocation for these programmes has
been increased by 7 percent. In the revenue budget for FY 2001-2002, total
allocation for poverty alleviation (such as Gratuitous relief, Test relief, VGF,
VGD, Housing, allocation for elderly, distressed women, freedom fighters
and health and primary education in rural areas) is proposed to be fixed at Tk.
3813 crore. There is also an allocation of Tk. 622 crore for FFW in the
development budget as stated earlier. The combined allocation for poverty
alleviation in development and revenue budget for FY 2001-2002 is proposed to
be fixed at Tk. 10867 crore which stand at 26 percent of total budget of the
government.
Mr. Speaker,
33. I would like to highlight first the allocation for the
agriculture sector. Though the share of agriculture in GDP is gradually
declining with economic development, agriculture still continues to be the
engine of growth and the main source of employment and nutrition for the rural
poor. Total allocation for the Agriculture Ministry in FY 2000-2001 in the
original revenue budget for FY 2000-2001 was Tk. 289 crore. In FY 2001-2002, I
propose to raise this allocation by 11 percent and fix it at Tk. 322 crore. In
addition to this allocation, a separate allocation of Tk. 100 crore has been
provided for subsidy on fertilizer. Three new measures aimed at development of
agriculture have been proposed in the revenue budget for FY
2001-2002. First, accurate soil analysis is essential for development of agriculture.
An analysis of soil is needed for prescribing the dose for different types of
fertilizer. So the provision of the results of soil analysis to farmers would
contribute to reduction of fertilizer wastage, decrease in cost and to
preservation of soil quality in the long run. Unfortunately, soil analysis in
Bangladesh is mainly conducted in permanent laboratories. If plot to plot soil
analysis is to be conducted, the facility of soil analysis will have to
delivered at the doorstep of the farmers through mobile laboratories. I propose
to allocate Tk. 13.50 crore in the revenue budget for launching on a priority
basis ten mobile laboratories. Secondly, there has been an unprecedented
expansion of agricultural credit since the assumption of office by the present
government. However, adequate capital in proportion to their requirements could
not be provided to two state-owned agricultural banks. With a view to
augmenting agricultural credit, I propose to allocate Tk. 50 crore in FY
2001-2002 budget for recapitalization of two agricultural banks. Thirdly,
exports of vegetables will have to be expanded fast with a view to raising the
income of the farmers. Lack of proper packaging facilities impedes export of
vegetables. With a view to providing assistance for packaging through Hortex
Foundation, I propose an allocation of Tk. 4 crore. In the revenue budget for
FY 2000-2001, total allocation for Fisheries and Livestock Ministry was Tk. 134
crore. I propose to raise this allocation to Tk. 152 crore in the budget for FY
2001-2002.
Mr. Speaker,
34. A sum of Tk. 937.1 crore has been earmarked for agriculture
sector in the ADP for FY 2001-2002. The corresponding allocation for the
previous year was
Tk. 883.9 crore. New agricultural extension policy has been implemented. In the
light of national seed policy, Seed (Amendment) Act 1997 have been promulgated
and new seed rules have been issued. With a view to maintaining the quality of
fertilizer and prevention of import and sale of adulterated fertilizer,
Fertilizer Control Order 1999 has been promulgated. The project for innovative
service and reform in agriculture sector is being implemented with the
assistance of IDA at a cost of Tk. 125 crore. Another project for
diversification and intensification of agriculture at a cost of Tk. 145 crore
is being implemented with the assistance of IFAD. A project for agricultural
research management at a cost of Tk. 152 crore is also under implementation. In
the Fishery sector, IDA assisted Fourth Fishery Project at a cost of Tk. 300
crore deserves special mention. A sum of Tk. 53 crore has been earmarked for
this project in the development budget for FY 2001-2002. A project for the
development of fishery at a cost of Tk. 109 crore has been undertaken with the
assistance of IFAD and I propose to allocate a sum of Tk. 40 crore for this
project in FY 2001-2002. A project for the protection and management of baby
Shad (Jhatka) at a cost of Tk. 51.64 crore has been undertaken. At present 5
percent of GDP and 6 percent of country's total export originate in the
fisheries sector. Emphasis has also been laid on the development of Livestock
sector. A participatory livestock development project at a cost of Tk. 151
crore has been launched with the assistance of Asian Development Bank. Allocations
have also been provided in the ADP for the development of four veterinary
colleges.
35. So far the driving force behind food management in Bangladesh
was food security. A new dimension has been added to food management system in
view of food self-sufficiency resulting from extraordinary success in
agricultural sector. The provision of fair price of agricultural products will
have to be ensured through public food management system. With this end in
view, food imports with government's own resources have been discontinued for
last two years and food reserves have been built through domestic procurement.
The target for internal food procurement in FY 2000-2001 was fixed at 13.68
lakh metric tons. Furthermore, the procurement price of foodgrains is fixed
above the market price in each season. Four projects have been included in the
ADP for FY 1991-92 for construction of new food godowns and repairs and
maintenance of existing food godowns. In the ADP for FY 2001-2002, a sum of Tk.
26 crore is proposed to be allocated for food subsector. The closing stock of
foodgrains on 30th June 2000 was 10.92 lakh metric tons, on 30th June 2001 it
is estimated to stand at 8.42 lakh metric tons. According to programme
contained in the budget, the closing stock of public food distribution system
is likely to be about 9.66 lakh metric tons on 30th
June, 2002.
36. Bangladesh is the sixth biggest source of fresh water in the
world. Moreover, the entire country consists of environmentally sensitive wetlands.
Numerous rivers have formed the terrain of this deltaic Bangladesh and are continuously changing its configuration. The
capricious rivers regulate the hopes and aspirations, sorrows and sufferings of
the people of this country. With the variation of seasons, water in this
country, turns out to be either a blessing or a curse. In Bangladesh, these
mysterious natural problems are compounded by international politics. The
failures of the previous Governments to conclude a long-term water sharing agreement
with the neighbouring country appeared to be an insurmountable barrier to the
development water resources in Bangladesh. Immediately after assumption of
office, the Government of Sheikh Hasina successfully concluded a long term
water-sharing agreement with India opening, thereby, a new vista for
development of water resources. I propose to fix total allocation at Tk. 1061
crore for development and revenue budget of Ministry of Water Resources for FY
2001-2002. As many as 90 projects will be implemented by Bangladesh Water
Development Board during FY 2001-2002. To achieve the objectives of the
National Water Policy, preparation of a modern water management plan is
underway. Haor and wetland Development Board has been set up with Hon'ble Prime Minister as its Chairperson
for harnessing and development of haors (extensive marshland) and swamps.
Special projects, for the purpose, will be undertaken by the Board.
37.
In
conformity with declared policy of Awami League, revolutionary changes have
been initiated in rural infrastructure
during past 5 years. Local Government Engineering Department was allocated Tk.
9382 crore for implementing various projects in rural areas during FY 1996-1997
to FY 2000-2001. The department has during last 5 years, constructed 22159
kilometres of dirt road, 9177 kilometres of metalled road and set up 728 growth
centers in the rural areas of the
country. I propose to allocate Tk.. 1160 crore for the department in the ADP
for FY 2001-2002. Tk. 158.8 crore has been earmarked in the ADP of 2001-2002
for Rural Development Board for implementing 11 projects. This includes Tk. 40
crore for ''One House, One Farm'' project which is being implemented under
personal guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister. I propose total allocation of Tk.
1644 crore for rural development sector as a whole in the ADP of
2001-2002. This amount constitutes 8.68 percent of total size of ADP for the
coming financial year.
38.
Daniel
Bell, an American social scientist, has rightly observed that in today's
globalised economy, national Governments have become too small to address big
problems and too big to solve the small problems. It is not possible for a
national Government to reach out to the grass-roots level. It is, therefore,
imperative to strengthen the local government to effectively address the
problems that beset the grass-roots level. The Awami League Government is
committed to "democratization of democracy'' by improving the local
government system. The election of Union Councils have already been held. The legal
framework for Upazila and Zila Parisad has been promulgated. Steps will be
taken to set up elected local government at all levels after the ensuing
national election. I propose to allocate Tk. 225 crore for the development for
Upazila, Tk. 130 crore for development of Zila Parisad and Tk. 85 crore for
Chittagong Hill Tracts. Considering the financial conditions of union councils,
I propose to increase the share of government contribution as salary support
for the secretaries of the Union Councils from 50% to 75% and for this purpose an additional amount Tk. 5.9 crore has been provided in the revenue budget of the next fiscal year.
Pursuant to commitment of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, I propose to allocate an
additional amount of Tk. 10.4 crore as government grant in next year's revenue
budget for increasing the honorarium of UP-chairmen and members. Besides, an
allocation of Tk. 1 crore is proposed as government contribution to the Welfare
trust for chairmen and members of the union councils. The Awami League
Government has been actively supporting the supplementary and complimentary
development initiatives of NGO's and civil society organizations during past
five years. This support will continue in future.
39. About seventy years ago, the Great poet Rabindranath
Tagore ruefully said, "Our
motherland has been eulogized for her abundant sweet water and high
productivity. But water which purifies is itself impure and muddy - one who
cures illness is itself a den of diseases. Misfortune has struck the very
foundations of our lives, our water
bodies and our crop fields. The whole country appears thirsty, pale, sick and
starved". As a result of rapid growth of population, urbanization and
industrialization, the problem of environmental degradation has become more
acute in innumerable distressed localities in Bangladesh. For protecting the
environment, special emphasis in the budget has been laid on three areas.
First, two projects have been undertaken in the Sundarbans and Saint Martin's
Island for preserving bio-diversity. I propose to allocate a sum of Tk. 44.30
crore for these projects in the ADP for 2001-2002. Secondly, three projects
have been undertaken at a cost of Tk. 318 crore for mitigation of arsenic
contamination. I propose to allocate Tk. 75.63 crore for these projects in FY
2001-2002. Thirdly, two projects have been undertaken for reduction of air
pollution.
I propose to allocate in FY 2001-2002 Tk. 6.78 crore for World Bank supported
Air Quality Management Project and Tk. 7 crore for CNG Project aimed at
reducing air pollution. Furthermore, I propose to allocate a sum of
Tk. 15 crore in FY 2001-2002 revenue budget for implementing a special
programme aimed at reduction of air pollution caused by auto rickshaws. Under
this programme the financial support will be given to auto rickshaws for
conversion into CNG system and for financing supply of CNG.
40. In the Annual Development Programme for
financial year 2001-2002, the highest allocation has been proposed for
transport sector. Development in communication system accelerates the pace of
economic growth and creates employment opportunities for the poor. Substantial
public investment during last five years has ushered in revolutionary changes
in the arena of physical infrastructure. By successfully completing the
construction of Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge, the Government of Sheikh Hasina has
translated into reality the long cherished dream of integrating the two
geographically separate regions of the country into one. During past five
years, the Department of Roads & Highways completed construction of 3,720
kilometers of metalled road, 2,160 kilometers of brick-road and 3,766
kilometers of embankment road. The total length of permanent bridges
constructed during the period is 13,813 metres and that of bailey bridges is
26,375 metres. Long cherished Buriganga Bridge spanning 1479 meters, opened to
traffic on 20th May this year, has been built using our own resources and
indigenous technology. By successfully completing such a huge work, the local
engineers have indeed, set a laudable example which testifies to their
competence. Besides, the present Government has initiated construction of a
number of important bridges. These include,
"Shahid Captain M. Mansur Ali Bridge over the river Padma at Pakshi
with the assistance of Japan costing about Tk. 410.13 crore, Shahid Nazrul
Islam Bridge over river Meghna at Bhairab Bazar with DFID assistance at an
estimated cost of Tk. 453 crore, Rupsha Bridge at Khulna with Japanese
assistance, Gabkhan Bridge at Barisal
with Chinese assistance, Shikarpur-Duarika Bridge on the Faridpur-Barisal
highway with assistance from Kuwait, Dharala Bridge at Kurigram financed from
own source and Shangu bridge at
Tailardip. Initiatives are afoot for
lining up assistance for construction of Padma Bridge. I propose to allocate
Tk. 3408 crore in the ADP for FY 2001-2002 for transport sector. The proposed
allocation includes Tk. 2290 crore for Roads & Highways Department, Tk. 100
crore for Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority, Tk. 696.5 crore for Bangladesh
Railway and Tk. 105.25 crore for Civil Aviation Authority. Furthermore, a sum
of Tk. 342.8 crore has been allocated to shipping sub-sector. I propose to
allocate Tk. 51.8 crore for World Bank supported Dhaka Urban Transport Project
aimed at improving the transportation system of Dhaka. I propose the allocation
of a sum of Tk. 300 crore in the revenue budget for FY
2001-2002 for repair and maintenance of roads under Roads and Highways
Department.
41. A sum of Tk. 656 crore has been proposed
for communication sector in the ADP for 2001-2002. Out of the proposed
allocation, Tk. 644 crore will be utilized in telecommunication sector. The
rest will be spent for Postal Department and for Meteorology Department. Tk.
373.7 crore has been allocated for the extension of digital telephone in
district town project in the ADP of FY
2001-2002. A new National Telecommunication Policy has been declared in 1998.
New opportunities have been opened for private sector investment in
telecommunication sector. Presently, four private sector cellular telephone
companies have been permitted to market their services. About 278 thousand
users have been provided with new telephone connections. Besides, two more
private telephone companies are operating in the rural areas. Private sector
initiatives in telecommunication sector have resulted in tariff reduction. As a
result of dramatic improvement in telecommunication technology, tariff rate has
dropped throughout the world. In line with recent trends of tariff reduction in
the international market, the Government has decided to reduce BTTB's tariff on
Nation Wide Dialing system and as well as international call charges for local
users. I am happy to announce that the reduced tariff will be effective from
1st July 2001. The reduction of tariff for the local callers will range from
7.4% to 14.29% for the Asia and the Africa region. In case of America and
Europe the call charge will be reduced by 16.67% while that for SAARC countries
by 14.29%. Presently, there are 5 different rates for NWD dialing. These tariff
structures will be reduced to 3 slabs
from 1st July 2001 resulting in tariff reduction ranging from 13.4% to 36%.
Detailed notification in this regard will be issued separately by T&T
Board. It is expected that despite reduction of tariff the gross receipts of
T&T Board will not be affected as a
result of increase in number of calls.
Mr. Speaker,
42. Awami League government inherited a
devastated power sector. Effective production capacity of power in the country
was 2,105 megawatt in FY 1995-96. After untiring efforts of last five years,
the effective power production capacity has been raised to 3,100 megawatt which
is sufficient to meet present demand. Per head power production capacity in
1994-95 was 92 kilowatt hours, which has been raised to 120 kilowatt hours in
2000-01. In the mean time, agreement with private sector has been signed for
generation of 1188 megawatt electricity out of which 578 megawatt electricity
is being produced at present. In the private sector, 17 power generation
projects are being implemented at a cost of Tk. 8,198 crore. Furthermore, as a
result of withdrawal of import duty and VAT on the import of electric
generator, 500 megawatt of captive power is now being generated in the private
sector. I propose to allocate Tk. 2,249.99 crore for power sector in FY
2001-2002. Out of this, Tk. 559 crore will be earmarked for rural
electrification sub-sector. Rural Electrification Board is providing new electricity connections to 7 villages per day. Since the
assumption of office by the present government, 13,713 villages have already
been provided with electricity and 32,000 new power connections have been given
to irrigation pumps. Necessary reform programmes are being implemented for running
the power sector on commercial basis.
43. The present Government has undertaken
massive initiative in exploring oil, gas, coal and other natural resources and
in ensuring their maximum use. With a view to accelerating the exploration and
development of gas resources, the government has divided the country into 23
blocks and invited bids for domestic and foreign investment under Production
Sharing Contract (PSC). Negotiation has already been completed for 15 blocks.
It is expected that as a result of foreign investment the production of gas
will increase rapidly. In FY 1999-2000 the actual gas production was 332.30
billion cubic feet. During July-January half year period of FY 2000-2001, the
quantity of gas production was 213 billion cubic feet. In the development
budget of FY 2000-2001, the revised allocation for oil, gas and natural
resources sector was
Tk. 440.02 crore which has been proposed to be increased to Tk. 653.25 crore in
the development budget of FY
2001-2002. Out of this Tk. 169 crore is earmarked for Madhyapara Hard Rock
project; Tk. 99.6 crore for Bara Pukuria Coal Mine and Tk. 118 crore for Third
Natural Gas Development project.
Mr. Speaker,
44. The greatest asset of
Bangladesh is her industrious and innovative people. Only through appropriate
education it is possible to transform this vast work force into an instrument
for rapid development. With this end in view, highest allocation has given in
the combined revenue and development budget for education sector in FY
2001-2002. In the FY 2001-2002, I propose to allocate Tk. 6028 crore which is
14.69% of total expenditure in the combined revenue and development budget. In
FY 1995-96, the combined allocation for education was Tk. 3,522 crore only.
During last 5 years, allocation in education has been increased by 66% .The
teachers are the moulders of human beings. The salary support to teachers has,
therefore, been increased rapidly. In the budget for FY 2001-2002, I propose to
allocate Tk. 1,477 crore as the salary support to the teachers and employees of
schools, colleges and madrasas. In
Annual Development Programme of FY 2001-2002, it has been proposed to allocate
Tk. 1,405 for Primary and Non-formal Education, Tk. 718 crore for Secondary and
Higher Secondary Education, Tk. 107 crore for Technical Education and Tk. 81.5
crore for University Education. In comparison with the allocation in the
original ADP of last year, the increase in Primary Education is 4.8% in
Technical Education, 27.9% and in
University Education, 2.8%. Special emphasis has been laid on the expansion of
Technical Education. The work on establishment of twelve Science and Technology
Universities in old district headquarters is progressing fast. Tk. 17 crore
have been allocated in FY 2001-2002 for the establishment of three new women
polytechnic institutes in three divisional headquarters. A sum of Tk. 21 crore
has been earmarked in FY 2001-2002 for the modernization 20 existing
polytechnic institutes and for the establishment of 15 new polytechnic
institutes. The work of establishing 13 Vocational Training Institutes and
introduction of vocational courses in selected non-government schools in each
upazila are in progress. For these two projects a sum of Tk. 32 crore has been
allocated. It has been proposed to allot a sum of Tk. 200 crore for stipend of
the female students in Secondary schools . I propose to allocate
Tk. 112 crore for the stipend in Primary education sector. Moreover, it is
proposed to allocate Tk. 18.60 crore for the development projects under the
Ministry of Religions Affairs in next year's budget. Out of this allocation,
Tk. 14.28 crore will spent for mosque-based children and mass education.
Mr. Speaker,
45. The present Government has
taken up an integrated programme to deliver the health services at the
doorsteps of the people. Under this programme an epoch making project at a cost
Tk. 15,500 crore has been undertaken. I propose to allocate Tk. 1,252 crore for
Health Ministry in the non-development budget of FY 2001-2002. This is 12.59 %
higher than the original allocation of FY 2000-2001. In the ADP of FY
2001-2002, I propose to allocate Tk. 1621.4 crore which is 2.8 % higher than
the original allocation of the current year. In the revised budget of FY
1995-96, the allocation for Health and Family Planning was Tk. 1611 crore. In
the FY 2001-2002, I propose to increase it to Tk. 2873.4 crore. During last
five years, hospital beds have been increased by 5405, 1322 doctors have been recruited,
and the recruitment process of 1182 doctors is at the final stage. Forty four
thousands officers and employees of Family Planning Programme were working in
the development budget on temporary basis. They are being brought in phases
under revenue budget on permanent basis. In the meantime 4000 new nurses have
been recruited. National Nutrition project at a cost of Tk. 643 crore is now
under implementation with World Bank assistance. The main goal of the programme
is to reduce the existing malnutrition of children and pregnant women.
Moreover, a project at a cost of Tk. 330
crore for the prevention of AIDS has been taken up.
Mr. Speaker,
46. I propose to allocate Tk. 1466.30 crore
in the ADP for FY 2001-2002 for Physical Planning, Water supply and Housing
sector. This includes an amount of Tk. 316.85 crore for Public Health
Engineering Department. The construction work of International Conference
Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at a cost of about Tk. 180 crore is progressing
very fast. I propose to allocate Tk. 25 crore for the successful completion of
Special Apartment project undertaken at a total cost of Tk. 205 crore for the
NAM conference. In the budget, I also propose to allocate
Tk. 347.30 for Dhaka City Corporation. Out of this an amount of Tk. 192 crore
is earmarked for Dhaka Urban Transport Project.
47. In industrial sector, a programme for
building 3 new fertiliser factories, rehabilitation of 2 fertiliser factories
and one paper mill has been undertaken. The estimated expenditure of these 6
projects, to be implemented by Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation, is
Tk. 3,073.71 crore. Four export processing zone projects at Mongla, Ishurdi,
Comilla and Syedpur are being implemented at an estimated cost of Tk. 275 crore. In FY 2001-2002,
Tk. 50.69 crore was allocated against these projects.
In Annual Development Programme for
2001-2002, an allocation of Tk. 356.72 crore for the industrial sector has been
proposed of which Tk. 45.75 crore is earmarked for the projects of Bangladesh
Small and Cottage Industries Corporation. By providing allocation for these
projects, income-generating programmes would be implemented. Funds have been allocated for Sirajganj and
Narshingdi Industrial Park, Hosiery Industrial City at Narayanganj and for fish
and agriculture-based industries at Chokoria. In Annual Development Programme
2001-2002, allocations of Tk. 91 crore for Science and Technological Research
sector,
Tk. 74.10 crore for Mass Communications and Tk. 207 for Public Administration
have been proposed. Tk. 19.70 crore has been allocated for labour and manpower
sector primarily for technical training and development..
48. Thanks to continuous patronage of Awami
League government, an unprecedented and lively surge is now visible in the
arena of youth and sports. In last 5 years Bangladesh achieved extra-ordinary
success in international sports. On 26 June 2000, Bangladesh achieved
test-playing status and emerged as the 10th
test-playing nation of the world. A team of physically and mentally
retarded sportsmen and sportswomen, who attended the Special Olympiad 1999 in
the USA on the personal initiative of the Prime Minister, brought noteworthy
laurels. The present Government is making tireless efforts in building sports infrastructure, expansion
of sports activities and competitions, and in raising the standards of sports
to international levels through
intensive training and practice.
49. The youth constitutes the majority of
population in Bangladesh. With a view to involving these youth in national
development process, the government has undertaken programmes to encourage them
to undertake income-generating self-employment activities and provision of soft
term loan and training. I propose a combined allocation of Tk. 171 crore for
youth and sports sector in revenue and development budgets. Of this amount,
Tk 16.91 crore is proposed in Annual
Development Programme for the development of sports training programme in BKSP,
while Tk. 2.00 crore is included in the revenue budget for expenditure relating
to the training, preparation and participation in the
SAF games.
Mr. Speaker,
50. A rich and ancient culture delineated and
shaped our national identity. In recognition of the supreme sacrifice of
Bangalees for mother tongue, UNESCO declared 21st February as the International
Mother Tongue Day. The historic Mujibnagar Cultural Complex is almost
completed. As a mark of respect to the Father of the Nation and to immortalise
his memories in our hearts, a monument has been erected over his tomb at his paternal
homestead at Tungipara. Furthermore, Begum Rokeya Memorial Monument and Shaheed
Matiur Memorial Centre are being implemented. Work is underway for establishing
libraries and academies for arts and culture at district and upazila levels. A
programme has been undertaken to preserve the glories of our ancient history
and traditions through restoration, rehabilitation and maintenance of old
mosques, temples and other historic sites. In current fiscal year, 37
development projects at a cost of Tk. 47.00 crore are being implemented under
the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. In the FY 2001-2002, a programme for 42
development projects at the cost of Tk. 47.00 crore has been proposed in the
budget.
51. Protecting the interest of the weak and
the neglected segment of society is a constitutional responsibility on the part
of the Government. Immediately after assumption of office the present
Government raised the allocation of the ministries of Social Welfare and Women
and Children affairs. The total allocation in the revenue and development
budget of FY 1995-96 for Social Welfare Ministry stood at Tk. 106.72 crore. I
propose to raise this allocation to
Tk. 279 crore in the FY 2001-2002. The total allocation in the revenue and
development budgets for the Ministry of Women and Children affairs for FY
1995-1996 was fixed at Tk. 45.62 crore. I propose to increase this allocation
to Tk. 90 crore for the FY 2001-2002. The budget allocation for the Ministry of
Social Welfare includes 3 special allowances for the vulnerable segments of the
society.
Tk. 50 crore is proposed for old age allowance; Tk. 25 crore for the distressed
women's allowance and Tk. 28.8 crore as allowance for distressed freedom
fighters. No Government in the past provided such extensive financial support
in the budget to the disadvantaged segments of the society. The Ministry of
Women and Children Affairs
co-ordinates different programme aimed at empowerment of women and providing
legal aid to them. Nonetheless almost all development ministries & divisions
undertake separate projects for women development. A survey reveals that the
Ministries of Women and Children Affairs, Education, Social Welfare, Rural
Development and
Co-operatives, Information, Disaster Management and Relief, as well as a Health
& Family Planning are implementing as many as 37 projects at the total
estimated cost of Tk. 1,778 crore for the direct welfare of women.
52. To fulfil the commitment made by Awami
League in its election manifesto, the Government has taken appropriate initiatives
for modernisation and improvement of efficiency of our defence forces - the
ever vigilant sentinels of our sovereignty and independence. With this end in
view, the present government has set up organizations like National Defence
College, Military Institute of Science and Technology and Armed Forces Medical
College. Necessary arrangement has been made to enable these institutions to
impart education and training of international standards. In recognition of
efficiency and dedication of our Armed Forces under the able leadership of the
present Government, Bangladesh today, is the second largest source of troops in
UN peace keeping missions. Presently, 8622 members of defence forces are
working for the UN peacekeeping missions. This international recognition of our
defence forces has, on the one hand,
contributed to country's image-building and on the other hand to an
increase in foreign exchange earnings. Besides, participation of the Army in Asrayan Project, road construction,
relief and rescue operations during national disasters and traffic control in aid of civil
administration, indeed deserves appreciation. Considering the overall role and
legitimate needs of national defence, I propose to raise current year's original
allocation of Tk. 3,207 crore to
Tk. 3,320 crore in the revised budget and to Tk. 3,460 crore in FY 2001-2002
budget.
Mr. Speaker,
53. Experience of many countries suggests
that the responsibility of law and order administration assumes more complex
and wider dimension with economic development. This is why on assumption of
office the Awami League Government
initiated the process of development and modernisation of the police
force in the country. In FY 1995-96, the revised allocation for the police force in non-revenue budget (except
police ration) was Tk. 518.67 crore. This allocation for police in FY 2001-2002
is proposed at Tk. 845.33 crore. For the ever-vigilant frontier sentinels, BDR,
I propose an allocation of Tk. 353.8 crore for the FY 2001-2002. The allocation is 5 % higher than the current year's
original allocation. The total allocation in the revenue budget for all the
departments under the Ministry of Home is Tk. 1,618 crore. Besides, additional
allocations of Tk. 11 crore for Fire Service and Civil Defence Departments, Tk.
11.5 crore for Police and Tk.
21.30 crore for Department of Prison
have been proposed in the Annual Development Programme for the FY 2001-2002.
Mr. Speaker,
54. In the last five years, remarkable success
has been achieved under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in
the diplomatic front, leading to a new chapter in the diplomatic history of
Bangladesh. A new environment of friendship and co-operation has been created among the neighbouring
countries. The Ganges Water Sharing Agreement and the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Peace Agreement have opened up a new
horizon for expanding economic development in the region. Bangladesh has been
elected as a member of the Security Council and has earned the distinguished
status of
Co-ordinator of the Less Developed Countries, has played a pioneering role in the establishment of 5-membeer BIMSTEC
and 8-member D-8, aimed at promoting regional economic co-operation. Our Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded the UNESCO Peace Prize for her personal
initiative in promotion of world peace. The 13th Non-aligned Movement (NAM)
Conference will be held at the historic city of Dhaka next year. For FY
2001-2002, I am proposing a total
allocation of Tk. 370 crore for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a lump
allocation of Tk. 200 crore for
organising the NAM Conference.
Mr. Speaker,
55. Our Great Poet Rabindranath Tagore aptly said: "Mere
birth does not make a country your own. A country remains alien until one knows
the country, until one wins it with one's own might". The valient freedom
fighters by fighting a life and death struggle against the demonic forces have
made Bangladesh our own country. Their supreme sacrifice and glowing patriotism
will continue to inspire Bangalee nation. Unfortunately, before the present
government's assumption of office,
little effort was made to establish the freedom fighters in the society in a
befitting manner. A programme was taken up in FY 2000-2001 at a cost of Tk. 15
crore to provide monthly allowance to 42,000 freedom fighters. In FY 2001-2002, I propose to expand the
programme to 80,000 freedom fighters and their dependants at a cost of Tk. 28.8
crore. Furthermore, the allocation for the wounded freedom fighters has been
substantially increased. In FY 1995-96,
the total allocation for the Freedom Fighters' Welfare Trust was only Tk. 6.6
crore, in FY 2001-2002, I propose an allocation of
Tk. 16.25 crore for the Trust. In FY 2001-2002, total allocation for the welfare
of the freedom fighters would stand at Tk. 45.05 crore.
Mr. Speaker,
56. Our War of Liberation was an ideology-based struggle. Humans die, nations rise and fall but ideology is eternal. Ideals never die. The war of liberation is, therefore, a never-ending struggle --- it will never cease. The eternal flame of this spirit would continue to inspire us for the emancipation of the oppressed people. We have achieved our political freedom under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But henious conspiracies of internal and external enemies stand in the way to our economic freedom. We have to carry forward this struggle for economic emancipation under the able leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina. In the past 5 years we have achieved remarkable success but we must not be complacent. Inspired by the spirit of the War of Liberation, we have to resist time and again the internal and external enemies. Echoing the language of the late American statesman John F. Kennedy, I therefore, summon all of you for joining this struggle, "Now the trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need, ... but as a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, a struggle against the common enemies of man-, tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself".