Academic experts, professional economists and rights activists said this at a pre-budget discussion organised by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) on Thursday in the capital. They called upon the government to increase investment in the right path, urging them to adopt woman-friendly policies in the national budget applying pragmatic policy marked by greater mission and vision. With that end in view, budgetary provisions and allocations shall have to be channelled for implementing valuable projects in the best interest of women’s empowerment.
“We need to ensure good governance and eliminate all forms of discrimination from the State,” Professor MM Akash, Dhaka University Economics Department, said while speaking on the occasion. BMP President Fauzia Moslem said, “Everyone does not get benefit as progress is being held hostage by powerful syndicates in absence of good governance and enforcement of the law. She also said, “It is not possible to develop without making women allies. That’s why supportive programmes and measures should be undertaken to integrate women in the mainstream.”
Noted economist Selim Jahan, in a video message, said women issues should get priority when preparing the national budget by adopting woman-friendly policies, and effective implementation of the allocation. SANEM Executive Director Selim Raihan suggested participation of women in politics and socio-economic activities alongside ensuring accountability in politics.
