Hundreds of enthusiastic people from all walks of life took part in a day- long budget session yesterday.

Jalalpur UP Chairman Prof Rafiqul Islam presented the budget for his UP for fiscal 2005-06.

It was aimed at ensuring transparency in activities of the UP.

The UP chairman replied to questions from participants at the meeting, rich and poor. They asked various questions on how the money would he spent and also gave suggestions for better utilisation of funds and development of the area.

It was held at Jethua Jagarani High School ground in Tala upazila.

Two NGOs--Agragati Sangstha and Manusher Janney -- organised it with a motive to ensure transparency in activities of local governments.

With Prof Rafiqul Islam in the chair, it was attended by among pothers Tala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mostafizur Rahman, OC Shah Mashiur Rahman, Khalishkhali UP chairman Prof Sabbir Hossain and officials of the NGOs.

Speakers at the budget session said such programmes will help establish good governance which is precondition for institutionalising democracy at grassroots level.

They said spontaneous participation of people proves that they are conscious about their rights and all round development of the area.