Three human rights organisations have made a proposal to increase allocation, in productive sectors such as agriculture and education reducing in un­ productive sectors including defence sector in the national budget

The proposal was placed at a view exchange meeting on 'budget and livelihood security' at the Jatiya Press Club.

Bangladesh Development Partnership Centre (BDPC), Bangladesh Coalition for Child Rights (BCCR) and Nari O Manabadhikar Forum (Namaf) jointy organised the event. The organisations made a number of recommendations for the budget of the coming fiscal.

Replying to a question, BDPC chairman Sharif A Kafi termed the defence sector as an unproductive sector adding there is no logic behind increasing allocation in this sector as Bangladesh Armed Forces alone are not capable of ensuring internal security.

"Armed forces of the country should be built up step by step" Kafi said. Criticising the rise of diesel price on the plea of smuggling to India , Kafi said if there is a possibility of smuggling, then steps should be taken against BDR and other law enforcing agencies. Farmers should not suffer for the failures of these agencies.

The recommendations include realising arrear bills from the defaulters before increasing the prices of fuel and gas, taking initiatives to prevent price hike of essentials without the government's approval, realising tax properly, withdrawal of duty on bicycle and creating more jobs.