DHAKA: Speakers at a seminar Wednesday said transparency, participation and accountability are prerequisite to budget reform for strengthening the democratic process.  

"Participation in pre-budget discussions has begun and many opinions are coming from the discussions, but it is not being reflected in the budget," said Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser of caretaker government.

The comments came from a policy seminar on ‘Budget Reform: Lessons from Experiences’ at the LGED auditorium in the city.
Dhaka University Economics Department Alumni Association (DUEDAA) organized the seminar.

Dr Yousuf Habibur Rahman, Assistant Director, Chief of Economics Division, New York City Office of Management and Budget and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, Wanger Graduate School of Public Services, New York University, was present as   keynote speaker.  
 
Dr Yousuf shared his experiences with New York City budget and said budget reform must address the entire budgeting process.

He also said a budget reform should start with budget reform commission, comprising real budget experts.

"The government need have a serious commitment for reforming budget," he added.    

Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, former finance Adviser of the past Caretaker Government, and Ranjit Kumar Chakraborti, Additional Secretary, Budget, among others, spoke at the seminar.

BDST: 1730 HRS, AUGUST 11, 2010