TIB demands transparency, openness and accountability in the upcoming national budget for FY 2015-16

TIB today (31 May 2015) sent a letter to the Finance Minister requesting to ensure transparency, openness and accountability in the national budget for the fiscal year 2015-16. Reminding that good governance and combating corruption have been put as central agenda in the government’s Vision 2021, the Sixth Five-Year Plan, the National Integrity Strategy and election pledges, TIB emphasized on optimum use of public money by being economical, efficient and effective in the utilization of budgetary allocation to achieve desired goals of the budget. TIB also underscored that without bringing transparency, accountability and integrity in the budget process, it is not be possible to ensure sustainable economic development.

The dream of becoming a middle-income country bypassing principles such democratic accountability, elimination of discrimination and basic human rights may be possible for the short-term, however, in terms of sustainability such dream may turn out to be a ‘day-dream in the long run, TIB observed. 

Placing the 11-point budget recommendations through a statement, TIB’s Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said it is imperative that the national budget is consistent with the structure of government policies through effective and transparent formulation and implementation of budget.  

The recommendation includes release of all budget information specially budget allocation in defence sector, abolishing provision of whitening black money, strengthening of inter-agency collaboration to

recover stolen assets from abroad and discourage block allocation in the budget. It also recommended giving priority to allocation in social safety-net programmes and projects, disclosure of wealth statements of prime minister and members of the cabinet, advisers, MPs, justice, high-level government officials and politicians and update those regularly. It also recommended for introducing an integrated online supervision system to monitor the government procurement process, revenue collection and project activities regarding budget.