The budget is not the job of the finance ministry only, Khan said, adding that apart from other ministries, stakeholders should be consulted.

Speaking at a discussion on 'National budget and women context', Khan, also a former finance secretary, said the budget is discussed in the parliament, not in parliamentary standing committees.

Consulting the budget with the ministries, parliamentary standing committees and stakeholders can make it more comprehensive, he told the discussion, organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in Dhaka.

Turning to women's issue in the budget, Khan said it is not possible to solve women's problems through a particular ministry like the ministry of women and children affairs.

Khan suggested preparing a report on the state of women by November-December every year and incorporation of the recommendations in the next budget.

Professor MM Akash of Dhaka University said lump sum allocation for the women is not enough.

"Although the ratio of male and female students in primary, secondary and higher secondary levels is almost equal, it is 70:30 in the university level. This means the women are really lagging behind," Akash said.

Dr Pratima Pal Majumder, senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, proposed arrangement of bigger loans for women instead of only microcredit, saying microcredit can create limited employment opportunities.

Ain O Salish Kendra Executive Director Advocate Sultana Kamal said allocation for the women in the budget is so small that the seriousness of the government over women empowerment can be questioned.

Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said women issues are considered sector-wise, ignoring their overall development aspects.

"For total development of the women, we need to prepare a roadmap," she said.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad General Secretary Ayesha Khanam urged the government to take proper steps to help women.