Desk News || The traditional post-budget dinner for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been cancelled following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as part of the government's ongoing austerity measures.According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, the decision is expected to save the government around Tk 50 lakh.Each year, after the national budget is passed in Parliament, the Ministry of Finance hosts a dinner at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The event is usually attended by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, and journalists.Atikur Rahman Ruman said that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spent between Tk 30 crore and Tk 55 crore annually on hospitality for its officials and staff. He added that an additional Tk 10 crore to Tk 12 crore was spent every year under separate hospitality-related expenditures.As an example, he noted that hospitality spending reached Tk 302,297,335 during the 2018–19 fiscal year.The Bangladesh Tourism Corporation was responsible for supplying food to PMO officials and staff, Ruman said. He added that a significant portion of the bills from that period remains unpaid, and the current government has been clearing those outstanding dues in phases.Meanwhile, the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year was passed unanimously in Parliament on Tuesday after lawmakers concluded voting on various demands for grants.Atikur Rahman Ruman also said that after assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman significantly reduced hospitality expenses at the PMO. According to him, hospitality spending for PMO officials and staff this month stood at Tk 1,100,069.He further said that approximately Tk 90 lakh was spent on hospitality for PMO officials and staff during the two Eid receptions held at the state guest house Jamuna.During the budget approval process, the Prime Minister remained actively engaged in parliamentary proceedings, Ruman said.He stated that Tarique Rahman arrived at Parliament at 9:45 a.m. and remained in his chamber throughout the session, participating in voting on demands for grants and legislative business. During breaks, he also attended to official responsibilities and signed urgent government files.Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament on June 11.