Stability Hard Without Leaving Awami League Aside, Says GM Quader

The Jatiya Party Chairman, Ghulam Muhammad Quader, has stated that achieving political and economic stability within the country will be difficult if a major political force like the Awami League is kept excluded from mainstream activities. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, 15 June 2026, held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium, the politician shared his critical evaluation of the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year and analysed the prevailing socio-political landscape.

Political Stability and Citizen Rights

According to the Jatiya Party Chairman, banning a major political entity effectively distances a substantial segment of the population from participating in political, social, and economic affairs. He argued that ensuring sustainable national stability is highly improbable without upholding the political rights of this large demographic.

Ghulam Muhammad Quader emphasised that the current national priority is establishing political stability, noting that an absence of peace directly hinders investments and prolongs economic stagnation. He expressed serious concern that if supporters of the Awami League are stripped of their political rights, face disruption to their daily lives, or are suppressed through punitive measures, this vast group will continuously strive to reclaim their rights. Consequently, such friction could persistently jeopardise national stability. He urged the government to adopt an inclusive approach, asserting that political consensus is vital to navigating the country through its current challenges.

Analysis of the Proposed 2026–27 Budget

During the press briefing, Ghulam Muhammad Quader turned his attention to the financial blueprint presented for the 2026–27 fiscal year. He remarked that whilst the proposed budget attempts to appease all sectors, it fundamentally lacks clear direction regarding actual execution.

The Jatiya Party chief highlighted several key figures and structural concerns from the financial plan:

• Operating Expenditure: The budget allocates £41.46 billion (621,925 crore taka) for operating costs. The Chairman observed that there is no scope to reduce this expenditure; rather, it is highly likely to escalate.

• Revenue Deficit: Historically, revenue collection has never exceeded 77 per cent of its target. Given the ongoing economic strain, Quader projected that revenue collection would decrease further.

• Deficit Projections: According to his calculations, the total budget deficit will reach approximately £31.06 billion (466,000 crore taka).

• Domestic Borrowing: To cover basic operating expenses, the government will be forced to borrow an estimated £15.26 billion (229,000 crore taka).

“The budget is overly reliant on loans, making it practically unfeasible to implement. Any failures in execution will deeply intensify the existing socio-economic and political crises,” Quader warned.

External Global Pressures and Domestic Taxation

The Jatiya Party leader further noted that the socio-political situation, combined with international conflicts such as the war involving Iran, has severely impacted citizens. He stated that regular individuals simply do not possess sufficient funds to meet the revenue and taxation targets set by the government. He criticised the budget for failing to account for a potential global recession triggered by the geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

The press conference was attended by other prominent leaders of the Jatiya Party, including the Secretary General, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, alongside Presidium Members Fakhrul Imam and Haji Saifuddin Ahmed Milan, who supported the analysis of the country’s economic trajectory.