In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday placed the national budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 in parliament on behalf of Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. The minister has been suffering from health problems.
In line with parliamentary practice, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal began delivering his budget speech in the Jatiya Sangsad at around 3pm. He fumbled through the beginning of his speech before being allowed by Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury to sit down and deliver his address.
Kamal at one stage proposed that the premier deliver the rest of his written speech on his behalf. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury endorsed the proposal and requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to present the document.Sheikh Hasina accepted the proposal but pointed out that she was suffering from cold and recovering from an eye surgery as well.
At one stage of reading out the written speech, the prime minister smiled when she came upon a phrase in the speech complimenting her and she read it out. She then said: "Honorable Speaker, I've read it out as I happen to be delivering the finance minister's speech".
According to reports in the media, Kamal has been afflicted with dengue fever. One of the minister's political colleagues also appeared to confirm the news.Earlier, President Abdul Hamid authenticated the national budget and the revised budget for placing before the national parliament.