Ex-Hefazat leader hails budget

Maulana MA Karim Ibn Musabbir, former central leader of Hefazat-e-Islam and one of the key organisers of the historic Shapla Chattar movement, has welcomed the national budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026�"27, describing it as timely, realistic, and people-oriented. He said the budget reflects the country’s current economic realities and development priorities.

In a statement, he said the budget avoids unrealistic ambitions and instead focuses on balanced economic management amid global challenges. He praised the government’s emphasis on development, social safety nets, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure, saying these sectors would help accelerate Bangladesh’s progress.

Karim also hailed the decision to increase taxes and prices on tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful products, calling it a landmark step for protecting public health. He said higher prices would discourage consumption, mostly among young people, reducing addiction, crime, and social.