Although the budget for women has been increasing every year, the ways and sectors of allocations were not transparent which triggered uncertainty around women’s development, said experts on Tuesday, reports UNB.

Speaking in a post budget discussion on ‘The Situation of Women in 2018-2019 National Budget’, the speakers came up with the observations at National Press Club.

Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad, a research organisation, arranged the programme in the morning.

While presenting the key-note paper, Dr Nilufar Banu, Executive Director of the body, said this year the finance minister has proposed at least Tk 4,63,573 crores which is 29.65 percent for women in the national budget.

Mentioning that every year the allocation for women has been increasing, she said, rise of allocation would fail to ensure women’s empowerment unless a strategic and calculative plan is formed and implemented to expend the budget properly.

Dr Banu also said Development of women is one of the goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) which has to be reached by 2030 which is now only 12 years ahead.

She said “Within such a short time, a compact plan can only make the target fulfilled.” Dr Banu urged that the budget should be implemented is such a way where women’s proper and safe working environment, fair participation in politics and public sphere will be ensured along with upholding of their voices everywhere. She also asked for the recognition of women’s work in informal sectors and ensuring equal payment in formal works as well.

Economist Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad attended the programme as the chief guest which Dr. Riazul Karim chaired.