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.