Dhaka: Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, Md. Nurul Islam, today emphasized that democracy is fundamentally a matter of trust, highlighting the necessity for mutual confidence between the government and the opposition. Speaking at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Members of Parliament Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha and Md. Mahmudul Haque Rubel, he stated, “We’ll trust the opposition, and the opposition will also trust us.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Whip referred to remarks by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who urged lawmakers to seek assistance from the administration or inform him directly if any issues arise, while cautioning against taking the law into their own hands. The Prime Minister reminded MPs of their duty to serve the people and ensure their welfare, emphasizing their role in establishing democracy and building a welfare-oriented and humane state.
On addressing the energy situation, Nurul Islam noted the government’s provision of an additional subsidy of Tk 36,000 crore to tackle the crisis. He alleged that Tk 27 lakh crore had been siphoned off during a previous ‘autocratic regime’ and highlighted the current government’s aim to utilize national resources for public welfare.
Discussing parliamentary procedures, the Chief Whip mentioned that a joint special committee, including both treasury and opposition members, reviewed 133 ordinances. After scrutiny, it was decided that 16 ordinances require amendments and will be introduced as bills, while other ordinances have been passed within just five days. He described the passage of 117 bills in this short period as a ‘record’ in Bangladesh’s history.
The Chief Whip expressed disappointment over a recent opposition walkout but acknowledged it as a part of democratic practice. He also announced plans to enrich the ‘July Museum’ with historical events such as the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, emphasizing ministerial involvement to expedite this initiative, which he described as a ‘living institution’ rather than a conventional museum.