Dhaka: Treasury bench lawmakers today accused the previous fascist regime of committing ‘trickery’ in the name of development for the last 17 years, as no significant development works were undertaken in more than two decades, resulting in widespread ‘deception’ among the populace. These comments emerged during a discussion on a thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, lawmaker Nayab Yousuf Ahmed from the Faridpur-3 constituency criticized the development works undertaken during the fascist regime as politically motivated, claiming that deception occurred under the guise of development. He highlighted the unfulfilled demand to elevate Faridpur to a divisional status, expressing hope that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the country’s issues would be resolved.
The 13th parliament’s first session commenced on 12 March with President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s address, followed by a Business Advisory Committee decision to allocate 50 hours for discussion on the speech. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam initiated the motion of thanks, seconded by Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.
Jashim Uddin Ahmed, representing Chattogram-14, noted the absence of development in his constituency over the past decades, pointing out the lack of hospital facilities for the two lakh residents of Chandonaish and parts of Sathkania. Ashraf Uddin from Narshingdi-5 called for a ‘hatred’ motion against Sheikh Hasina, suggesting it would set a precedent regarding public condemnation.
Opposition lawmaker Abu Taleb from Jhenaidah-4 expressed his reluctance to thank the President, citing his collaboration with the fascist regime. Additional BNP lawmakers, including SM Faisal, Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, and Syed Jahangir Alam, along with Bangladesh Jamaat-e Islami lawmakers such as Mahbubur Rahman and Matiar Rahman, also contributed to the discussion.