Big Budget Means Bigger Opportunities for Corruption

National Parliament Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nahid Islam has described the announced 2026–27 fiscal budget as directionless and incapable of addressing the country’s fragile economy.

Speaking to journalists at the Chattogram Circuit House on Friday, he said the budget would fail to resolve the ongoing economic crisis. NCP convener Nahid Islam stated, “This budget will fail to address the country’s existing economic problems.”

At the same time, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary called for strengthening the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to play a more effective role in protecting national sovereignty and countering alleged aggression by India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

Nahid Islam also questioned the transparency of the budget, saying, “How will this budget stop corruption? A big budget essentially creates bigger opportunities for corruption. In various sectors, including card distribution and canal excavation programmes, only ruling party MPs are receiving allocations, while opposition MPs are being excluded. There is no accountability or transparency here.”

He further criticised the Finance Minister’s budget speech, stating that it lacked any clear roadmap for recovering defaulted loans or retrieving money allegedly looted during the previous Awami League era. “We did not see any concrete plan on how to bring back the money of major mafia and oligarch groups such as S Alam, who allegedly looted public funds and laundered them abroad under fascist patronage, and are now living comfortably overseas,” he added.

Banking sector crisis and political allegations

Referring to the fragile condition of the banking sector, Nahid Islam alleged, “There is an attempt to hand over Islami Bank back to S Alam in some indirect way.”

Citing the recent closure of a private hospital, he said, “I saw that Ad-Din Hospital was shut down on a pretext yesterday. If there are specific allegations against any hospital, there should be a proper investigation and justice. But what we are seeing is political revenge, where the government is trying to marginalise groups like Jamaat or the 11-party alliance and targeting various institutions.”

He also warned the government about the risks in the banking sector, saying that if around three crore depositors lose confidence in Islami Bank alone, it could trigger a chain reaction affecting the entire banking system.

He added that they are not only criticising the government but will also continue to present alternative and sustainable budget proposals both inside and outside parliament.

Meanwhile, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary criticised the government’s foreign policy regarding border security and sovereignty. He said communication with India has broken down, claiming, “The government has sent 12 letters to Delhi, but not a single one has received a response. The government must take effective steps to ensure replies.”

He also expressed concern over the condition of border security forces, saying personnel suffer from poor living conditions and lack of logistical support.

Calling on border-area residents to unite, he said, “Build a human wall. Stand together with the border guards. The whole of Bangladesh is with you. Stand firm with courage.”

Patwary also recalled the historical legacy of the former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), saying that the current Border Guard Bangladesh should reflect the same level of dedication and bravery. He added, “We have the spirit and blood of 18 crore people. We can protect our sovereignty at any cost, just as in 1971.”

Earlier, they attended Friday prayers at the historic Jamea Ahmadia Sunnia Alia Madrasa Jame Mosque in Sholoshahar, Chattogram. After the prayers, they exchanged greetings and held discussions with teachers, students, Islamic scholars, and local worshippers.