Masud Rana, Barishal Bureau

Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has announced a proposed development-oriented and citizen-centric budget of BDT 647,53,85,309 for the 2026–2027 fiscal year without imposing any new tax burden on the city residents. BCC Administrator Adv. Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin unveiled the budget at Nagar Bhaban on Thursday, prioritizing urban development, modern waste management, permanent solutions to waterlogging, clean water supply, and the expansion of digital civic services.

Speaking at the budget declaration, the Administrator stated, "Despite limited revenue earnings, our top priority has been given to enhancing citizen amenities. Without increasing taxes, our main goal is to build a well-planned, clean, green, and women-and-child-friendly smart megacity for future generations." Notably, the original budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year was BDT 520.86 crore, which was later revised to BDT 462.86 crore. Compared to that, this increased budget for the new fiscal year signals a major transformation for Barishal city.

Unprecedented importance has been given in the budget to eliminating long-standing waterlogging issues. A massive project proposal worth BDT 769.40 crore has been sent to the ministry for re-excavating and preserving the banks of Jelkhali, Amanatganj, Sagardi, and Lakutia canals. Additionally, a BDT 533 crore project has been outlined to construct a river protection embankment on the western bank of the Kirtankhola River, ensuring a sustainable and secure future for the city dwellers.

To ensure safe drinking water, the RUPATALI Surface Water Treatment Plant has been launched, while preparations are underway to operationalize the Beltala Plant. For the convenience of residents, the entire application process for new water connections has been made online, alongside an exciting announcement to install 'Water ATM Booths' across key city intersections in the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, alongside daily removal of nearly 200 tons of waste, a groundbreaking initiative has been taken to generate electricity from waste through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with a South Korean organization.

Social protection and inclusive measures have also been taken, including the construction of a dedicated market for women entrepreneurs, a working women's hostel, and modern public toilets for women. For children's mental development, the 'Green City Park' is being renovated with new rides. To combat climate change risks, an ambitious target of planting 50,000 trees across the city has been set.

To eliminate harassment and boost service efficiency, civic facilities like trade licenses, tax payments, and building plan approvals are being fully digitized. A BDT 24.75 crore project has been submitted for street lighting, which will see the installation of over 16,000 electric poles and more than 20,000 modern streetlights. Recognizing the contribution of local journalism, special allocations have also been reserved in the budget for renovating the Barishal Press Club and Barishal Reporters' Unity buildings.

In conclusion, the City Administrator reaffirmed her firm commitment to ensuring quality public service by preventing corruption and curbing wastage, seeking the earnest cooperation of all city residents to build an advanced, clean, green, and smart Barishal together.