Speaker Hafiz Uddin inaugurates “Budget Helpdesk-2026” to strengthen economic focus

A new initiative designed to help lawmakers better understand the national budget and manage public finances has been launched in parliament. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad inaugurated the budget debriefing sessions on Sunday, describing the move as a timely step to strengthen parliamentary democracy.

The launch event for the "Budget Helpdesk-2026" programme took place at the Parliament Secretariat. During the opening, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad highlighted several major hurdles currently facing the national economy, including the need to increase revenue collection, manage debt effectively, and maintain overall economic stability. The speaker noted that the new helpdesk will play a crucial role in promoting careful, data-driven analysis of the budget to meet these challenges.

To make the most of this initiative, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad encouraged Members of Parliament (MPs) to actively use the Parliament library and other research tools. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad explained that a clearer understanding of government financial plans is essential, especially given that the public is closely watching the current parliament. The active participation of lawmakers, he added, will lead to positive outcomes and help shape the country's future progress.

The European Union is supporting the programme, a partnership that Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said will make parliamentary institutions stronger by ensuring lawmakers remain engaged and accountable to the public.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who led the event, noted the unique nature of the current parliament, which was formed following the recent July Uprising. Kayser Kamal pointed out that citizens across the country have high expectations and are monitoring government actions closely. Kayser Kamal described parliament as the central hub for economic and social policies, adding that these debriefing sessions will help build a government that is more informed and connected to the facts.

Parliament Secretariat Secretary Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcoming remarks, while Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni attended as a special guest.

During his speech, Nurul Islam Moni stated that the government, guided by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has put forward a realistic budget designed to use limited resources with strict discipline. Nurul Islam Moni recalled that in the past, MPs often struggled to gather clear information about the budget. Now, thanks to the helpdesk and backing from the European Union, lawmakers have easy access to the exact data they need to analyse financial policies thoroughly.