Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said that the proposed budget for the next fiscal year (FY24) has been awarded to all sections of people, including rich and poor, while all the projections made in the budget would be attained like the previous years.
"We've awarded this budget to all sections of people, including rich and poor," he said.
The finance minister said this while replying to a barrage of questions at a post-budget press conference held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) this afternoon.
He also categorically said that the proposed budget for FY24 has not been framed and thus placed in Jatiya Sangsad in line with the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Kamal said that the IMF usually gives suggestions to its member countries on maintaining balance sheets as well as properly maintaining income and expenditure accounts, which is a good thing.
He said the IMF not only helps the member countries with credit support but also extends support in project delivery in a flawless way. "We often become benefitted from their suggestions. But, I want to categorically say that this budget has not been framed and placed in the parliament in line with the recommendations of the IMF. We can only take their (IMF's) suggestions which we feel necessary,"
Turning to the main aspects of the budget, the finance minister said although the number of the middle class is higher in the country, they usually do not pay taxes as to their ability.
"But, now it's high time to pay tax, even the World Bank and the IMF also made suggestions like this. Those who have taxable income and have enough capability will have to pay tax."
Kamal also assured that no one would be subject to injustice in the process of paying taxes.
Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Planning Minister MA Mannan, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, LGRD Minister Md Tajul Islam, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, and others were present at the press conference.