BNP’s Rizvi likens interim budget to Hasina’s, slates black money amnesty

Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has hit out at the interim government’s proposed national budget, accusing it of replicating policies of the former Awami League administration, particularly its stance on legalising undisclosed income.

He criticised the inclusion of a provision that allows the whitening of black money, drawing a direct comparison with previous budgets under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

Speaking at an event at the party’s central office in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan on Tuesday morning, the senior joint secretary general questioned how a government viewed by many as honest could endorse what he described as a morally dubious measure.

Rizvi warned that such a move would benefit “looters and bank defaulters”, while critical sectors such as health, education and social safety are left underfunded.

“If these sectors are deprived, where does that leave the welfare of the people?” he asked.

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed unveiled the Tk 7.89 trillion budget for FY2026 on Monday.

The plan includes a scope for investing undisclosed income in the housing sector, albeit with a higher tax rate.

Policy groups like the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) have called the scheme “discriminatory”.

Rizvi also flagged concerns over the prioritisation of administrative costs, noting that more than 23 percent of the total budget has been earmarked for salaries alone, leaving less room for the country’s poor to benefit from state protection.

He said essential services were being squeezed “to accommodate fiscal leniency for those with illicit funds”, undermining the state’s responsibility to provide minimum healthcare and education.

Recalling earlier remarks by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Rizvi said the Nobel laureate once envisioned eradicating poverty and hunger.

“Now, under his stewardship, we’re seeing black money being legitimised,” he said.

He pointed out that democratic political groups had backed Yunus in the hope of responsible leadership, but said the proposed budget instead adds pressure on low- and middle-income groups --a concern raised by economists as well.

Rizvi was speaking at a food distribution event marking the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.