United News of Bangladesh

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Thursday dismissed the idea that government and the opposition were engaged in a "friendly game" during the budget session of Parliament, insisting that the relationship is based on constructive democratic engagement rather than political convenience. “There is no game here – no friendly game,” he told reporters at a press conference at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban while reviewing the budget session. His remarks came in response to questions following comments by a ruling party MP, who during budget debate had likened the atmosphere in Parliament to a "friendly match" between football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. "Messi and Ronaldo play football. There is no such game in Bangladesh's Parliament," the chief whip said, adding that any such comparison reflected personal opinions rather than political reality. He said the government wants an opposition that will cooperate on issues of national interest while remaining free to criticise the government whenever necessary. "A democratic opposition does not have to oppose everything. If criticism is genuine, it helps us correct our mistakes," Moni said. Describing the atmosphere during the budget session as cooperative, he said opposition lawmakers had been allocated 26 percent of the total speaking time but were ultimately allowed to speak for nearly 31 percent. The chief whip also claimed that, for the first time in Bangladesh's parliamentary history, the opposition leader requested the Speaker to move to the guillotine procedure after completing discussions on the budget. According to him, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman responded positively to several proposals raised by the opposition leader, including considering a tax exemption on a particular product and addressing a constituency issue by immediately instructing the relevant state minister to take action. Moni said such examples reflected a shared commitment by both the government and the opposition to work together in national interest. Defending the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, he described it as a "people-oriented" and "life-friendly" aimed at improving the living standards of ordinary citizens. The chief whip said the government had inherited a fragile economy, citing problems in the banking sector, foreign exchange market and alleged financial irregularities under the previous administration. Rather than pursuing large infrastructure projects, the government has prioritised welfare-oriented initiatives, including the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects, plantation of 25 crore trees, excavation of 20,000 kilometres of canals, expanded agricultural support and Family Card programmes, he said. Moni said taxes were not increased on 63 essential commodities, while taxes on several items were reduced to ease the burden on consumers. Quoting the Prime Minister, he said the budget was designed to protect people's livelihoods and improve social welfare. The chief whip also claimed that if the estimated US$16 billion allegedly siphoned out of the country annually could be prevented, Bangladesh's fiscal challenges will be significantly reduced. On constitutional reform, he noted that discussions on broader reforms could continue outside Parliament among political parties, while formal constitutional amendments will have to be processed within Parliament. Responding to concerns over the recent measles outbreak, Moni said the government is treating the issue seriously and confirmed that sufficient vaccine supplies are now available and immunisation campaigns are continuing across the country. On reports of "push-ins" from a neighbouring country, he rejected suggestions that the opposition was asked to withdraw a proposal of discussion on the issue in Parliament. Describing it as a national concern, the chief whip said Bangladesh wants to maintain relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect and understanding while ensuring that its territory will not be used against any other country. He also urged the media to give greater prominence to positive developments alongside negative news, arguing that many good initiatives often receive inadequate coverage. Whip M Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu was also present at the press conference.

Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam on Tuesday said the United States has consistently stood beside Bangladesh in its democratic journey and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in trade and technology in the coming years. “The United States has always supported our democratic journey,” he said during a courtesy meeting with a visiting US delegation at his office in Parliament. The Chief Whip said the US remains one of the largest export destinations for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector. “As the government moves forward with its target of creating digital IT-based jobs, I hope the technologically advanced United States will extend its cooperation in this sector,” he said. Referring to the government’s economic initiatives, Nurul Islam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been making relentless efforts to stabilise the country’s economy and improve the lives of marginalised people. He said several welfare initiatives including family cards, farmer cards and agricultural loan waivers aimed at supporting low-income and rural communities. “These programmes require a smooth democratic process for effective implementation. Without democracy, development in any sector is not possible,” he said. The Chief Whip also described parliament as the “centre of democracy” and paid tribute to renowned architect Louis I Kahn, designer of the National Parliament Building. “People will always remember Louis I Kahn with respect as the architect of this symbol of democracy,” he said.  

Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam on Saturday said the poetry of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore has long served as a source of inspiration for the people of Bangladesh, including during their struggle against autocracy. Speaking at a programme marking the 165th birth anniversary of Tagore at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, he said people of the country fought for 17 years, drawing strength from the poet’s words and ideals. “The people of Bangladesh loved the hard truth and endured a long struggle. That struggle did not betray them; rather, it brought them a new dawn,” he said, quoting Tagore’s famous line: “Truth is hard, but I have loved the hard, and it never deceives.” The four-day event has been organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Nurul Islam said Tagore’s writings remain deeply relevant to Bangladesh’s national life and social movements. Referring to Tagore’s poem “Ore Nobin, Ore Amar Kancha”, he said the poet always believed in the power of youth to break social stagnation and lead society forward. “During our Liberation War too, Tagore’s poems and songs inspired our people,” he added. The Chief Whip described Tagore as a versatile literary figure who enriched Bengali literature, music and culture through poetry, songs, novels and acting. He said Rabindra Sangeet carries a unique appeal that remains closely linked to the growth of Bengali language, culture and education. Calling on the younger generation to read Tagore’s works, he urged them to contribute to building a culturally enriched and progressive Bangladesh. He also expressed concern over the growing influence of “distorted and foreign cultures” and stressed the need to create a society free from drugs, evil forces and autocracy. At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Whip was presented with a commemorative crest and honoured with a traditional shawl. Among others, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Stalin, officials of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and media personnel were present at the event.