Speaking in Parliament about the 2026-27 budget, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shared a clear plan to improve the country’s water and energy supplies. He promised that the government would complete the Teesta Barrage Master Plan no matter the cost. He called the project a top national priority to protect farming and daily life in the northern districts.
Tarique Rahman noted that people in areas like Rajshahi and Rangpur often face water shortages, a problem regularly raised by local leaders. To fix this issue and make sure farmers have enough water all year, the government is building the Padma Barrage. This project will store extra rainwater during the monsoon season and share it with farmers during the dry months.
The Prime Minister explained that the country has long struggled because rivers and canals have not been looked after properly. Over the years, many rivers have filled with sand, causing problems for farming and water supply. He mentioned seeing places flooded with rain, while farmers just a short distance away had no water for their crops.
To solve the issue, the government plans to dig and clear 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to improve water flow and stop floods. In the past three months, workers have already cleared around 900 kilometres of canals. Tarique Rahman added that the government is looking into local complaints about the work to ensure it is done properly.
The government is also helping farmers directly. Tarique Rahman reminded Parliament that one of his administration’s first steps was to cancel farming loans of up to 10,000 taka. This move helped 1.3 million farmers clear their debts. In the coming year, a special card will give financial help and other services to about 4.3 million farmers, fulfilling a promise to support the agricultural sector.
Moving to the topic of power, Tarique Rahman said a strong economy needs a reliable energy supply. He criticised past governments for ignoring local gas and relying too heavily on foreign energy companies. Pointing to recent problems in the Middle East, he warned that depending on imported fuel is risky. Now, the government is focusing on finding local gas, using renewable energy, and stopping energy waste.
The new budget also looks at jobs and the future. A new card will be created for workers living abroad to help them get services easily and solve everyday problems. Finally, Tarique Rahman spoke about education. He said the previous government had damaged the school system, and his team will make significant changes to ensure the next generation is well-educated, honest, and ready for future challenges.
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