PM Calls for Unity, Warns Against Parliament Failure

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addresses parliament while taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called on opposition lawmakers to work jointly with the government to ensure an effective and functional parliament, warning that any failure of the House would ultimately harm the country and its people.

Addressing parliament during the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech, he said MPs should freely debate and disagree, but must not allow parliament to fail under any circumstances.

“I would like to urge everyone: let us debate, argue, engage in dialogue and discussion, and sit together and talk—but under no circumstances should we allow this parliament to fail,” he said. It was also his concluding speech of the first session of the 13th parliament.

The Prime Minister said the country has started its parliamentary journey with a debt burden of Tk 30 lakh crore, stressing that national progress depends on a stable government and a stable legislature.

Recalling past political unrest, he said 173 days of hartal during a previous BNP administration caused severe damage to the economy, the effects of which are still being felt today.

Tarique Rahman agreed with the opposition view that the success of parliament reflects the success of the nation. “This parliament means Bangladesh. Its success means a prosperous future for the country,” he said.

He added that in a parliamentary democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition share responsibility for ensuring the system works effectively.

“The government formed through this parliament must succeed. I believe this is a unique parliament in Bangladesh’s history,” he said.

Reiterating his government’s position, the Prime Minister said dialogue with the opposition would remain open at all times.

“We are always ready to sit with the opposition and discuss any issue concerning the country and its people,” he said, adding that cooperation is essential to meet public expectations.

He also defended government initiatives such as family cards and farmers’ cards, calling them investments aimed at strengthening the rural economy.

During the session, the Prime Minister responded to concerns raised by the opposition leader regarding constituency issues, saying instructions had already been issued to address them.

The House later passed the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech by voice vote, after which the Speaker read out the prorogation order.