Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- US Ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty has stressed the importance of debate across all parties and cooperation to ensure that national interests and the welfare of the Bangladeshi people remain central to the budget process.
“I urge all members of the parliament to engage actively across parties with the challenges and opportunities presented to you in analyzing and monitoring the national budget,” he said. “On your shoulders rest the duty and the privilege of creating the dream of a Shonar Bangla.”
The ambassador made the remarks Saturday at the first session of the National Budget Oversight Orientation Program at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital Dhaka.
The program, organized by the Budget Analysis and Monitoring Unit (BAMU) of Bangladesh, and supported by USAID’s PROGATI project, is focusing on the practical skills necessary to support members of parliament in the upcoming budget session of the parliament.
USAID’s $18 million Promoting Governance, Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (PROGATI) project help improve transparency and accountability in public resource management by strengthening the institutions that provide public sector oversight.
About 120 Members of Parliament (MPs) are participating in three half-day orientation sessions, which ends on Monday.
The USAID administers programs in five key areas in Bangladesh: improving health and pre-primary education; creating income opportunities for rural poor; supporting good governance; enhancing food security; and strengthening disaster preparedness and providing emergency assistance following natural disasters.
Since 1971, the U.S. Government has provided over $5.8 billion in assistance to Bangladesh.
BBN/SI/AD-27Feb11-8:37 pm (BST)
