Dhaka: Treasury bench lawmakers today called for greater unity among politicians for building a progressive country. Taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in the House, they said the opposition is always showing an aggressive attitude toward the government. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir-Bikram was in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, despite differing political ideologies, lawmakers emphasized that all political leaders should work towards the greater interest of the country. BNP lawmaker Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin (Ctg-5) highlighted that the parliament should be a platform for constructive debate rather than destructive confrontation. He stressed the importance of working jointly to uphold democracy and promote the welfare of the people, noting that the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is striving for inclusive politics amid various challenges.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipen Dewan mentioned the prime minister’s efforts to create a discrimination-free country, supported by a 180-day program announced by different ministries. Meanwhile, ruling party lawmaker AKM Selim Reza Habib (Pabna-2) criticized the opposition’s aggressive attitude, questioning who would benefit from such an approach.
The first session of the 13th parliament commenced on March 12, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin delivering his address. The Business Advisory Committee later allocated 50 hours for discussion on the President’s speech. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam moved the motion of thanks on the President’s address, seconded by Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.
Another treasury bench member, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan of Khagrachari constituency, accused the opposition of hatching conspiracies outside the parliament. He referred to an attack on Chattra Dal, the ruling BNP’s student wing, by Shibir cadres at Chattogram City College, labeling it an attack on democracy. He asserted that such aggression indicates the opposition’s unwillingness to permit systematic politics in the country.
The ruling party members praised the President’s speech in the parliament, while the opposition members rejected it, labeling him an associate of the fascist. Treasury bench members, including M Zahidur Rahman (Thakurgaon-3), Abdul Muhit Talukder (Bogura-3), Mosleh Uddin Farid (Jesshore-2), and others, participated in the discussion.