Tk5.68cr budget announced at open budget session in Noakhali

Bangla Press Desk:  An open budget session for the 2025–26 fiscal year was organised at Mohammadpur Union Parishad premises under Subarnachar upazila in Noakhali on Tuesday.

The event, arranged by the non-government organisation Participatory Research and Action Network (PRAN), aimed to promote transparency and public participation in local development planning.

A total of 280 participants, including local residents from different professions, public representatives, and government officials, took part in the session.

Subarnachar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rabeya Afsar Saima attended the event as the chief guest, while officials from different government departments were present as special guests.

Mohammadpur Union Parishad secretary Golam Kibria presided over the session, while Panel Chairman Mizanur Rahman also chaired parts of the discussion.

During the session, Golam Kibria unveiled the current fiscal year’s (2024–25) budget of Tk5.01 crore and announced the proposed budget of Tk5.68 crore for the upcoming 2025–26 fiscal year. He emphasised the need to ensure equitable distribution of funds across sectors such as agriculture, education, health, irrigation, road repair, and canal renovation.

Speakers at the event mentioned that despite having 48 local markets under the union, development initiatives remain limited due to budget shortfalls. They also said frequent natural disasters, including floods and cyclones, continue to slow down the pace of development.

Chief guest Rabeya Afsar Saima said, “Relief is a temporary support, but sustainable development does not bring lasting benefits for the future. The next budget will prioritise canal excavation, construction of culverts, and road renovation.”

She also highlighted the need to repair roads in Akter Mia’s Hat, Chourasta to Main Road, Borhan Market, and Beribandh areas of Subarnachar.

Panel Chairman Mizanur Rahman said, “We want the budget to be distributed evenly across all areas. Allocations are needed in the next budget to address waterlogging, canal excavation, and safe water supply.”

Ward No. 5 member Md Bahar said, “We suffer during both the rainy season due to waterlogging and the dry season due to water scarcity. Canal excavation and safe water supply should be prioritised in the new budget.”

Local representative Mohibullah Babu said, “If people’s participation is ensured in budget finalisation, allocations can be made according to actual needs.”

Upazila Krishak Dal President Md Shahadat Hossain said, “Nine canals in Mohammadpur have been illegally occupied. If these are not recovered, agricultural production will be hampered. The budget should prioritise the agriculture sector.”

Social worker Mohammad Belal Hossain said, “Renovating the Meghna canal is now a national demand. Crops are being damaged due to a lack of water. Immediate steps must be taken to restore the canal.”

Speakers further called for increased allowances for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and education sectors, and for ensuring transparency in implementing local development projects. The session concluded with a call for collective efforts to advance local development.

BP/SP