By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Taka 871 billion ($ 14.5 nillion approx.) annual budget for 2007-08 provides for relief for the IT, newsprint and textile sector imports amidst efforts to rein in inflation and improve income-expenditure ratio.
Since there is no parliament – general elections were called off amidst political turmoil in January – President Iajuddin Ahmed signed it Thursday, as per the constitution's requirements, when submitted by Finance Advisor Mirza Azizul Islam and top finance ministry officials.
The government "ignored" suggestions for more investments in health and infrastructure sector. Also rejected were pleas for lowering imports of industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, the New Age newspaper said.
However, there is a blanket withdrawal of the four per cent infrastructure development surcharge.
The government "looks set to rely on domestic and foreign debts to finance an annual development programme of Tk 265 billion", it said.