There is no alternative to the democratization of the national budgetary process for a non-discriminatory society. Although the share of the budget supply mostly comes through indirect taxes, there is no reflection of public opinion and needs on the formulation of the national budget. Ensuring transparency and accountability of the budget as well as ensuring public participation in the formulation and implementation of the budget process will further advance the overall development of the country.
The speakers stated this at the Virtual Grand Finale of the Budget Olympiad 2020 jointly organized by the Democratic Budget Movement, Participatory Research Action Network-PRAN, and ActionAid Bangladesh this morning (December 21, 2020).
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank was present as the chief guest at the function chaired by eminent economist Professor MM Akash, the convener of the Budget Olympiad Committee. Facilitated by Nurul Alam Masud, Secretary of Budget Olympiad, Professor Kazi Maruful Islam, Director, Center and Policy Dialogue Dhaka University; Asgar Ali Sabri- Director, ActionAid Bangladesh; Amanur Rahman- Director, CARE Bangladesh; Monowar Mostafa- Secretary, Democratic Budget Movement; Sekender Mina Sumon- Joint Secretary, DBM other than that of joining the event.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed in his speech as chief guest said that the national budget is not only to raise and spend government money but also to bring the benefits of development to all. However, in Bangladesh, it is not reflected in the implementation of the budget policy of Bangladesh. We need to focus not only on growth but also on establishing good governance, banishing corruption and overall socio-economic development of the people to ensure people’s participation in the budget. Kazi Maruful Islam said it is very important to build the practice of questioning among the youth. Budget Olympiad is successful in this regard and these young advocates would continue to contribute ensuring accountability by questioning how much of the country’s budget is being allocated and spent fairly, he added. Asgar Ali Sabri expressed hope that the Budget Olympiad and its participants would play a role in empowering those who have the ability to speak and upholding the aim of the Democratic Budget Movement.
In his speech as chair, Professor MM Akash said that the people have the right to know the money they are giving to the government is being spent properly and also to express their views. Decentralization of the budget is necessary to ensure a participatory budget. The discussion and participation of the youth can play a leading role in replacing these ideas and demands.
With the aim of inspiring budget advocates across the country, Democratic Budget Movement- DBM has been organizing Budget Olympiad since 2017. This year around 4,000 students from more than a hundred educational institutions of the country participated in various rounds of the competition this year.
Golam Kibria Limon of Rajshahi University became the champion in Budget Olympiad 2020. The first and second runners-up were Arifujjaman Uzzal from Khulna University and Shamsuzzaman Raju from Chittagong University respectively. The winners of the regional stage and the top ten winners of the final stage were also announced at the ceremony.
Later,
A prize-giving ceremony was arranged on 31 December 2020 in Dhaka to handover the crests, fellowship money, and certificates to Golam Kibiria Limon, Arifuzzaman Uzzal and Shamzujjaman Raju, The Champion, 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner Up of Budget Olympiad 2020 respectively.
