OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF ARMED FORCES’ BUDGET: IMPLICATIONS ON BANGLADESH NATIONAL BUDGET

Abstract

‘Military Budget’ is a widely discussed issue in Bangladesh. The dichotomy amid
keeping a standing military and socio-economic growth is existent in the academia.
Apropos, military budget has seen a horizontal apportionment in the recent years.
Again, Bangladesh is a sovereign country and military must have the operational
readiness to safeguard its territorial integrity. As such, Bangladesh Armed Forces
should have some reforms to maximize the effects of budget and contribute to
the optimum utilization of national budget. The purpose of this study was to
ascertain the prospects of integrating the budgetary resources of three services
with a view to determining a viable operating model for optimal application.
Analysis of budget environment revealed that it has limitations. So, necessity has
been felt for an umbrella organization which can resolve the issues. It can also
direct all budgetary activities of three services by integrating their isolated efforts and drive towards optimum utilization. Consequently, this will ensure the best use
of apportioned national budget. Bangladesh Armed Forces should therefore try
to achieve the full potentials of its budgetary resources through integration. The
paper proposed a policy option in the form of creating a Joint Budget Directorate
at Armed Forces Division by 2020. It will centrally operate all the budgetary
resources of three services to ensure best use of national budget as well as can
yield a capable military for Bangladesh.