Dhaka, April 27 -- State Minister for Planning Md. Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki on Monday emphasized the need to strengthen national budget by increasing internal revenue, identifying higher taxes on tobacco as a top priority for both fiscal stability and public health.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Necessity of Effective Tobacco Tax and Price Hikes in the Upcoming FY 2026-27 Budget to Protect Public Health,' the state minister stressed that reducing debt dependency is essential for the country's true development.

Youth demand effective tobacco tax and pricing in upcoming budget

The event was jointly organized by the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) and the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) at the ERF audit...