Budget session ends

No indulgence to extremism or radicalism: Prime Minister

The government will not tolerate any form of extremism or radicalism under any circumstances, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman said on Wednesday, expressing confidence that the opposition would extend its full support in safeguarding democracy and preserving national unity.

Delivering his valedictory speech at the conclusion of the second (budget) session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the prime minister also expressed hope that the country's political forces would remain united to ensure that fascism never returns and Bangladesh is never reduced to a puppet state.

Outlining the government's vision for a discrimination-free Bangladesh and an accountable welfare state, Tarique Rahman highlighted plans to strengthen social safety net programmes, shift the economy from debt dependence to investment-led growth, and create employment opportunities.

"The current government will not indulge any form of extremism or radicalism under any circumstances," he said. "Although the ruling party and the opposition have disagreed on certain issues in Parliament, we have also reached consensus on many important matters. I believe we will receive the opposition's full cooperation in resisting radicalism and extremism."

He added that all political forces share the belief that Bangladesh must have no space for extremism or radicalism and that no one should be deprived of democratic rights in the name of the spirit of the Liberation War.

The prime minister also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of religious, social, cultural and family values, stressing that restoring family values should become a national priority.

He said both the government and the opposition remain united on the principle that fascism and autocracy must never again take root in Bangladesh. "This national unity will be maintained at all costs," he said.

Referring to the BNP's long-standing 31-point reform agenda, Tarique Rahman said it has now evolved into the aspirations of people across the country. He also noted that all political parties had signed the July Charter at Parliament's South Plaza and are now accountable to the public for implementing every provision of the charter.

Investment-led economy

The prime minister criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging that its development narrative did not reflect realities on the ground.

"During the fascist regime, we only heard stories of development," he said. "But when I visited different parts of the country, I found little connection between those claims and reality. The power sector became a vehicle for enriching the autocrat and those close to the regime."

Acknowledging that Bangladesh faces a fragile economy amid global conflicts and high public expectations, he said the government has already begun reversing the economic downturn.

"We will rebuild the economy together with the people," he said.

Seeking cooperation from all stakeholders in implementing the budget, the prime minister said Bangladesh could achieve the vision of the July martyrs by removing obstacles to business and trade, curbing corruption, ensuring equal economic opportunities and making state institutions accountable.

He said the government's long-term goal is to transform Bangladesh from a debt-dependent economy into an investment-driven economy focused on wealth creation.

"Our economic strategy is designed to help Bangladesh move towards becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034," he said.

Anti-corruption and law and order

The prime minister identified tackling corruption and improving law and order as two of the government's highest priorities.

He alleged that during the previous administration, around US$16 billion was siphoned out of the country every year through corruption.

"Corruption lies at the root of many of our problems," he said. "This government is determined to combat it by every possible means."

He also said the government plans to build a professional and modern law enforcement system.

"We want a Bangladesh where both the state and the government remain accountable to the people," he said. "We envision an inclusive economy where every citizen can live in security, dignity and with opportunity."

Welfare state and health sector reforms

The prime minister alleged that Bangladesh's health sector had been systematically weakened under the previous government to benefit a particular foreign country.

He said the current administration is committed to building a welfare state that guarantees minimum public services for citizens from all walks of life.

To support that goal, the government has initiated programmes such as the Family Card and Farmers' Card, with plans to eventually integrate them into a single Universal Card.

"These benefits are not acts of charity," he said. "They are the state's responsibility to its citizens."

Tarique Rahman also argued that strengthening both the state and the people—politically and economically—is essential to preventing the return of authoritarian rule.

He further alleged that key institutions, particularly the education sector, had been severely damaged during the previous government. According to him, widespread cheating and automatic promotions undermined educational standards, while the interim government failed to address the problem adequately.

The government, he said, plans to gradually increase education spending to five per cent of GDP over the next five years.

"For some reason, I believe the fascist autocracy adopted policies that weakened the education sector to satisfy a particular group and a particular country," he said.

Session at a glance

The budget session, which began on 7 June, concluded on Wednesday after 26 working days.

Parliament passed the national budget on 30 June, while a total of 10 bills were enacted during the session.

Lawmakers submitted 278 questions for the prime minister, of which 35 were answered and tabled in Parliament. Cabinet members received 5,031 questions, with responses provided to 3,474.

The House also constituted 11 parliamentary committees during the session, including the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment.

This version follows the style and tone commonly used by English-language newspapers, with tighter structure, improved readability, and standard parliamentary reporting conventions.