Will We Now Say ‘Bogura First'?

Atiqur Rahman Mujahid, a Member of Parliament for the Kurigram-2 constituency and a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has questioned in Parliament whether the people of the country will now have to say "Bogura First," a reminiscent of the erstwhile phrase "Gopalganj First."

He said, "Critics used to say 'Gopalganj above all.' Will we now say 'Bogura above all'? We do not want this kind of Bangladesh. If it is to be 'Bangladesh above all,' there must be an equitable budget for the people of every region."

He made these remarks today, Thursday, while participating in the discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the National Parliament. The parliamentary session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.

Atiqur Rahman Mujahid said, "Lately, critics say a new sub-district (Upazila) has emerged—it is being referred to as the 'Nawabi Upazila.' I am talking about the Shibganj Upazila of Bogura district. While other areas do not receive adequate budget allocation, by some charismatic miracle, 76 crore taka goes to this single sub-district."

Regarding the defense sector budget, he said, "If there had been sufficient allocation and modern weapons for the defense sector during the Liberation War, we could have achieved independence under our sole authority using our own people. During the war, India provided President Shahid Ziaur Rahman with a broken wireless set. In anger, he threw it away and told the Indian commando, 'When you give weapons and equipment, give us something that functions. Do not give dysfunctional things; it hinders us.'"

Demanding security for the country's citizens through modern weaponry, the NCP lawmaker added, "Every day, threats are being issued from our various borders. Threats of capturing different borders are being made. Yet, no significant allocation has been made for the defense sector in the budget. A war is ongoing along our Myanmar border. Two army divisions are operating against three rebel groups, including the Kuki-Chin, in the three hill districts."

Mujahid emphasized the need for modern equipment in air and naval defense. He stated, "India allocates 2.5 percent of its GDP, while Myanmar allocates 3.5 percent of its GDP. On average, countries worldwide allocate 2.2 percent of their budget to defense. But we do not have that. Even if we have to go without food for a meal to protect this liberated land, a higher allocation must be granted to the defense sector to safeguard our independence and sovereignty. Because our borders are constantly facing threats, we must all protect the nation."