Muhith lays out plan for 10% economic growth

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has a vision for taking Bangladesh’s economic growth to 10 percent.

“However, this certainly calls for decentralisation of power,” he said while presenting the proposed national budget in parliament on Thursday.

Putting emphasis on power decentralisation, Muhith said it would never be possible on the part of district governments to deliver services and undertake best development initiatives unless the powers and functions are decentralised.

Outlining a plan for proper budget implementation, Muhith said, “District governments will be responsible for defraying expenditure over 60 percent of national budget. This agenda should be taken up for implementation immediately after the next election.”

He said all participating parties should articulate their concept and programmes in election manifesto about the budget implementation.

To establish autonomous and self-reliant governments in 64 districts and nine metropolitan cities, they have to introduce their own pattern of bureaucracy. They will have to formulate a list of their functions and responsibilities, according to his plan.

“Such list should specify the joint responsibilities of central and district governments on certain matters and lay out the process of coordination in this regard. The structure of the district government can be determined if this work is done,” said Muhith.

Thereafter, a policy on revenue collection and sharing between central and district governments, which is most difficult but important, should be formulated, he said. “In my view, the main responsibility of revenue collection should lie with the central government.”