Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged politicians and citizens to abandon the growing culture of verbal abuse also stressing that freedom of speech must not cross the boundaries of basic decency.
Delivering his valedictory speech at the conclusion of the 13th Parliament’s third session and the premier called for national unity. "Just as we do not want an authoritarian regime imposed on the people and no conscientious person wants our political culture to degrade into verbal abuse" he stated, adding that public discourse should mirror the respect expected in a family setting.
Beyond political culture, Rahman assured the nation of a swift resolution to the ongoing gas and power crises. He blamed the previous "fascist" regime for neglecting domestic gas extraction in the Bay of Bengal to favor foreign interests. To ensure long-term energy security, the government is executing a comprehensive solar power plan to transition Bangladesh from an energy importer to a solar power producer.
The Prime Minister also issued a stark warning to pro-democracy forces also cautioning that internal conflicts and divisions could pave the way for ousted autocratic elements to return. He urged both the ruling party and the opposition to work cooperatively to honor the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising and build a welfare-oriented state.
Addressing the fragile economy, Rahman revealed the severe financial inheritance left by the previous administration. Following a recent forensic audit the defaulted loans were exposed at a staggering 35.5 percent though recent government measures have slightly reduced the figure to 32.6 percent. Despite the heavy burden of inherited foreign debt compounded by widespread money laundering the current government has already repaid a record $2.04 billion in principal and interest over the past five months.
Concluding his address PM reaffirmed his vision of "Bangladesh first" declaring that Parliament must remain the vibrant center of all state activities to solve public grievances.
