Finance Minister AMA Muhith says Thursday’s budget presentation will be the last of his career and the fifth during the rule of a democratic government.
Speaking to bdnews24.com on Tuesday, he said he felt sad about presenting two ‘bad’ budgets nearly three decades ago during HM Ershad’s military regime.
“I was a minister in a military government,” said Muhith, reminiscing on his previous budget experiences. “I was embarrassed about it. But I have presented four successful budgets during democratic rule.”
The minister said he had joined the Awami League to erase his past reputation. “I think I have been successful.”
Muhith says he joined the Awami League in 2001 following Sheikh Hasina's request. “I lost in that election. In 1993, I was with Kamal Hossain’s Gana Forum.”
“I remember the day I went to meet present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Aug 2, 2000 to discuss joining her party,” he recalled.
“I won the 2008 elections and took up the position of Finance Minister as per Sheikh Hasina's directive,” he said. “When I say that I have enjoyed working with her during the past four years, I am telling the truth.”
“There were rumours that I would be removed from my ministry, but that did not happen. The Prime Minister believed in me. I carried out my responsibilities. That is my satisfaction,” he went on.
About the budget, Muhith said it would be the last budget of his career. “Our government will implement it for six months, and then it is up to the next government.”
“I hope I will remain the Finance Minister during the remaining days of the present government's term,” Muhith said humbly. “But this is my last. I will take part in elections, but will never be a minister.”
Muhith described politics as an “art of compromise” when asked if he ever had any reason for dissatisfaction during his term. “There has to be compromises in politics. There are pressures from so many sides. It is natural to all budgets.”
Source: Bd news24
Can someone please shut that blabber -mouth up?