Members of the treasury bench in parliament have expressed hope that Bangladesh will emerge as a trillion-dollar economy during the current tenure of the BNP government, citing ongoing reforms and policy initiatives.
The remarks came during a discussion on the Thanksgiving Motion on the President’s speech in the House, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
Lawmakers said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to transform the country into a trillion-dollar economy. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government has already begun implementing its electoral pledges, adding that successful execution would significantly reshape the economy.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku criticized the opposition, accusing them of misleading the public over the implementation of the July Charter. He said all measures would be carried out within a legal framework, as mandated by the people.
The first session of the 13th parliament began on March 12 with President Mohammed Shahabuddin delivering his address. The Business Advisory Committee later allocated 50 hours for discussion. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam moved the motion of thanks, seconded by Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the importance of political unity, saying the country has achieved a parliament conducive to democratic practice after nearly two decades.
State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan accused the opposition of distorting information about the July uprising. He referred to a statement made by the opposition leader claiming visits to families of 1,200 martyrs, while official records list 834.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury urged all sides to avoid controversy over the July uprising, calling on the opposition not to create conflicting narratives.
National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker from Cumilla-4 Md Abul Hasnat said parliament was formed to meet public expectations but criticized what he described as a prevailing “fascist culture” within the government.
Opposition lawmaker M Abdul Baten of Dhaka-16 called on the government to take steps for the rehabilitation of Urdu-speaking communities living in difficult conditions in his constituency.
Several lawmakers from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties also participated in the discussion, including Humam Quader Chowdhury, Reza Kibria, and others representing various constituencies across the country.