Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said the current government has presented a budget where taxes have been reduced on 50 to 60 items, yet the prices of daily essentials in the market have not dropped by even a single taka.

“This is due to the omnipresence of syndicates,” he added.

He made these remarks this afternoon during the Munshiganj district Jamaat-e-Islami Rukn (member) conference held at a convention centre in the district.

Shafiqur said syndicates are linked with political parties and operate under political shelter and patronage.

The Jamaat chief also questioned who is benefiting from the budget if the tax exemptions fail to bring positive changes or relief to the lives of ordinary citizens.

Referring to the government, he said, “Accept the referendum. Take the same oath that we have taken."

He questioned under which constitution former president Ziaur Rahman held the first referendum.

Addressing journalists, he said the media must uphold the truth guided by conscience and refuse to compromise with falsehoods.

He expressed confidence that the youth will achieve the transformation they desire.

“We want to fight together to liberate this society and establish a humane and just Bangladesh -- a Bangladesh where both the poor and the rich receive justice in court, and where the voice of justice no longer cries in silence," he said.

Members of various tiers of Munshiganj district Jamaat attended the conference.