The Democratic Budget Movement (DBM) organized the 10th “Peoples Budget Assembly 2024” at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka. This significant event aimed to foster a more people-oriented and democratic national budget, while strengthening the social movement for direct public participation in budget formulation. The Assembly brought together various social development and civil society organizations, alongside marginalized communities, to collectively shape public opinion.

Co-hosted by Participatory Research Action Network (PRAAN), Safety and Rights Society (SRS), and The Earth, the Assembly highlighted the pressing need for social protections amid severe inflation. Experts, economists, and representatives from marginalized groups voiced their concerns, advocating for policies that directly address the economic hardships faced by Bangladesh’s most vulnerable populations.

Key Sessions and Discussions

The Assembly featured two key sessions focused on critical issues of social protection, subsidies, and tax relief. T

he first session, titled “Navigating Inflation and Financial Stress: Public Recommendations for Social Protection, Subsidies, and Tax Relief in the 2024-25 Budget,” saw participation from esteemed figures including Professor MM Akash from Dhaka University, for

mer MP Shamim Haider Patwari, and Dr. Khandakar Golam Moazzam from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The session was moderated by DBM executive committee member Zakia Shishir and DBM vice-president AR Aman. DBM General Secretary Manowar Mostafa delivered the opening remarks, with a main paper presented by senior researcher Seasonal Faith of Shahidullah, in collaboration with ActionAid. Engineer Debraj Dey, Program Coordinator at Oxfam Bangladesh, emphasized the necessity of participatory budgeting and equitable resource distribution.

Professor Akash underscored the economic challenges posed by inflation, which has averaged around 12 percent over the past two to three years, leading to a significant reduction in average incomes. He highlighted the need to combat corruption and money laundering as a means to fulfill social security demands.

Former MP Shamim Patwari called for budget management that prioritizes public interest over bureaucratic and business concerns. He pointed out the lack of local government participation in budget formulation and the inadequacies in budget allocations for the judiciary, migration, and skill development. Dr. Khandakar Golam Moazzam from CPD noted that economic, political, and institutional weaknesses are exacerbating inequality and hindering resource distribution.

Key Demands from the Peoples Budget Assembly 2024:

• Social Protections: Doubling all allowances, implementing a Pension Act and Universal Social Security Act, and equitable wealth distribution.
• Tax Reforms: Raising the tax-free income limit to 600,000-700,000 BDT and emphasizing tax evasion prevention.
• Subsidies and Allocations: Expanding and restructuring subsidy structures, allocating funds for marginalized communities, and ensuring fresh water and coastal development initiatives.
• Women’s Empowerment: Increasing allowances for working mothers, establishing community daycare centers, and supporting women-owned enterprises.
• Youth and Climate Action: Strengthening youth leadership in climate action and integrating grassroots perspectives into climate policies.

Challenges and Recommendations:

The Assembly also addressed the growing challenges posed by climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities. There was a strong call for empowering youth leadership in climate action, integrating grassroots inputs into policy formulation, and promoting innovative solutions to mitigate climate risks.