Finance Minister AMA Muhith said development budget will need to be slashed in the current fiscal year as inflow of foreign loans and aids is dropping sharply.
“Due to the continuous blockades, inflow of foreign assistance has come down, which will require us to cut current fiscal’s budget,” finance minister told journalists at his secretariat office yesterday.
He said the country’s economy is suffering now as 18-party opposition continue to enforce blockades back-to-back.
“It’s very worrying situation for the economy. If there is no economic activities, there will be no development.”
He further said economic forecast cannot be made until the end of the political violence on the streets.
“Projection of the country’s economic growth will be difficult if political instability and violence goes on.”
He claimed the government is continuing its efforts to tackle the situation.
AMA Muhith blamed BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for violence across the country.
“Blockade is a latest gift from the opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia for the country. She becomes Amir of Jamaat”
“Burning people and vehicles is their (BNP and Jamaat) political culture.”
“But they will not be allowed to do it for long. People will stand against it,” finance minister warned.
Outlay of the current fiscal year budget is Tk 2.22tn which is 16% higher than size of the budget of fiscal year 2012-13.
The size of the revenue amount Tk 1.67tn while the budget deficit stands Tk 550, which is 4.6% of the gross domestic product .
The government expects Tk 6,670cr in foreign grants.
