Study Director: Dr. Monzur Hossain

Other Team Members: Dr. M. K. Mujeri, Dr. Zaid Bakht, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali

Sponsor: UNDP

Time period: May 2013-July, 2013

In order to support four Parliamentary Standing Committees (PSC) on the oversight of budget implementation, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) entered into an agreement with the UNDP to provide necessary consultancy services. As per the contract, research team has produced budget analysis research reports and conduct seminars to disseminate those reports to the Members of Parliament (MPs). The goal of the research reports was to explain topics on budget for respective ministries and the national economy in an easy and user-friendly way, so that the members of parliaments may utilize them during the budget session of the parliament and also in monitoring the implementation of the budget. 

The budget-related interventions were provided to the following Parliamentary Standing Committees:

- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Assurance with focus on LGRD and Cooperative Ministry

- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment and Forest

Four working sessions were organized for the four committees. The details are discussed below.

1.    Parliamentary Standing Committee on Assurance with focus on LGRD and Cooperative Ministry

The working session was held on May 30, 2013 with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Assurance with focus on LGRD and Cooperative Ministry. 

First, Dr. Zaid Bakht, Research Director of BIDS made a presentation in front of the Committee on the following basic (common) information on the national economy and budget in the first session:

1.    Brief overview of the economy and outlook

2.    Brief overview of the current budget, budgetary process (budget estimates and expenditures) and its implementation scenario

3.    Future challenges and economic outlook with recommendations for 2013-14 budget

In the second stage, Dr. Monzur Hossain, Research Fellow of BIDS made a presentation with specific focus on LGRD and Cooperative Ministry. He mainly discussed various issues of budget, its implementation status, and future challenges. 

2.    Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

The working session was held on June 2, 2013 with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. 

First, Dr. Zaid Bakht, Research Director of BIDS made a presentation in front of the Committee on the national economy and budget in the first session.

In the second stage, Mr. Tarikul Islam Khan, Consultant of BIDS made a presentation with specific focus on the budget for the Ministry of  Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs. He mainly discussed various issues of budget, its implementation status, and future challenges with specific recommendations 

3.    Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children  Affairs

The working session was held on June 5, 2013 with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. 

First, Dr. Zaid Bakht, Research Director of BIDS made a brief presentation in front of the Committee on the national economy and budget in the first session.

In the second stage, Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Director General of BIDS made a presentation with specific focus on the budget for the Ministry of Women and Children affairs. He mainly discussed various issues of budget, its implementation status, and future challenges with specific recommendations for the upcoming budget. 

4.    Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment and Forest

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali (Senior Research Fellow of BIDS) has prepared necessary documents for the  Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment and Forest. The reports have been handed over to the Committee members so that they can use the reports in the budget discussion.