Ganosamhati Andolan, a partner of the Ganatantra Mancha, on Monday criticised the government鈥檚 reliance on indirect taxes, claiming it burdens the general populace amid severe income disparity.
At a post-budget press conference at the party鈥檚 headquarters in Dhaka, the party highlighted the ruling Awami League鈥檚 focus on rising per capita income, while ignoring internal issues such as loan defaults and money laundering, which contribute to the economic crisis.
The party argued that the government鈥檚 tax policy disproportionately affected the general population. They called for higher taxes on higher earners and profitable businesses, rather than increasing indirect taxes like VAT and customs duties, which strain ordinary citizens.
Ganosamhati Andolan also condemned the budget provision, allowing the legalisation of undisclosed money without questioning its source. They argued that this policy encouraged illegal earnings.
Citing former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, leaders of the party questioned that how someone, under Anti-Corruption Commission investigation, could transfer money abroad, suggesting special privileges for illicit earners.
Presenting the budget analysis, executive coordinator of the party Abul Hasan Rubel noted that the Gini Coefficient in the country was 0.57, indicating significant income inequality.
He criticised the government for imposing more indirect taxes instead of taxing high-profit businesses and wealthy individuals.
Chief coordinator Zonayed Saki stated that economic looting by loan defaulters, corrupt individuals, and money launderers was the main cause of the economic crisis.
He accused the government of protecting these groups while pressuring general people and small and medium enterprises to cope with economic contractions and inflation.
The party also criticised the lack of budget allocation for education, health, and agriculture, and questioned the increased spending on salaries and allowances for government employees.