Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday invited Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman to share a meal costing around Tk 150, after the latter praised his modest lunch expenses during a discussion in Parliament.
The exchange took place in the Jatiya Sangsad during a general discussion under Rule 68 on measures to address disruptions to power generation caused by the fuel and gas crisis, the closure of industries leading to unemployment, and the resulting setback to the national economy.
Speaking on the issue, Shafiqur Rahman said he found it encouraging that the Prime Minister's lunch costs only between Tk 100 and Tk 150.
"I like that. I cannot even eat for that little. I am saying this without exaggeration," he told the House.
At this, the Prime Minister gestured with his hand, inviting the opposition leader to join him for a meal.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke up on the microphone, saying the opposition leader will be treated to a meal, gesturing towards the Prime Minister as he did so.
In response, Shafiqur Rahman thanked the Prime Minister but said he did not wish to eat alone. "I want to eat with 18 crore people. I want to eat with everyone. Still, thank you for the offer," he said.
He went on to observe that the Prime Minister leads a simple lifestyle, is not extravagant or "suited and booted", and travels without pomp – something he described as commendable.
However, the opposition leader said while some in the government appreciate this simplicity, their own conduct often runs contrary to it.
"If he is being held up as an icon for [others] to follow, then that icon status should be applied consistently, in every respect. But that is not what we see – we see the opposite," he said, urging caution in the use of the word "icon" and stressing that anyone described as such should actually be followed.
Shafiqur Rahman further said the Prime Minister, being human, was not beyond error, and that not everything he does can automatically be endorsed. "Only when it comes to the demands of children can we say yes to whatever they ask," he added.