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 Moni on Monday said the government has been working tirelessly to ensure the efficient and optimal use of the country's limited resources. “Improving people's living standards and achieving sustainable development through effective budget implementation remain the government's primary objectives,” he said. The Chief Whip came up with the remarks when Political Officer of the US Embassy in Bangladesh Stuart James paid a courtesy call on him at his Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office. During the meeting, they discussed the ongoing budget session, parliamentary activities and the proposed formation of a Bangladesh-US Parliamentary Caucus. Moni said an effective parliament has been established reflecting the aspirations of the people following 17 years of democratic movements and struggles. According to him, 260 first-time lawmakers have joined the 13th Parliament, and the current budget session is their first in the House. The Chief Whip said the new lawmakers are making sincere efforts to learn parliamentary procedures and practices. He added that while public interest in parliamentary proceedings had been comparatively low in the past, people are now following parliamentary sessions regularly, which he described as a positive sign for democratic practice. Stuart James said Bangladesh and the US share a long-standing relationship based on friendship and cooperation. He expressed hope that the formation of a Bangladesh-US Parliamentary Caucus will further strengthen communication, exchange of experiences and mutual cooperation between lawmakers of the two countries. Stuart James also highly praised the Chief Whip's role in establishing an effective and accountable parliament for the people.

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.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam on Wednesday said the government and the opposition will jointly bring a proposal on amending the Constitution, expressing optimism that existing differences will be resolved through dialogue. “Although there are some differences of opinion between us and the opposition on the issue of constitutional amendment, we will reach a consensus and place a joint proposal,” he told reporters at the Jatiya Sangsad complex. He said the main goal is to strengthen democracy, uphold independence and sovereignty, and advance the country’s constructive development. “We want to be enriched through discussion and criticism in Parliament and it is only a matter of time before we reach a consensus from a place of patriotism,” he added. The Chief Whip also urged the media to highlight positive developments alongside negative reporting. Referring to recent coverage on the shutdown of Eastern Refinery PLC Ltd, the country’s only state-owned oil refinery in Chattogram, he said related developments such as two vessels carrying around 200,000 metric tonnes of oil anchoring at the port also deserved attention. He said the prime minister has been working for the overall welfare of the country, focusing on building a humane state, consolidating democracy, and safeguarding independence and sovereignty. On employment and human resource development, Nurul Islam stressed the importance of language skills to enhance overseas job opportunities. He mentioned the need for learning Arabic for the Middle East, Mandarin for China, Italian for Italy, Korean for South Korea, and Japanese for Japan. He, however, emphasised English as a crucial second language given its global relevance.

Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal and Chief Whip Nurul Islam on Thursday paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. They placed wreaths at the graves and stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of respect. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls. Officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat including senior officers and the Sergeant-at-Arms, were present on the occasion.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Wednesday said the ruling party wants the 13th parliament to be effective and vibrant where problems will be resolved through discussion and debate. “Our goal is to run an effective, vibrant and responsible parliament. We want an environment of constructive discussion, rational argument and healthy debate on national issues in parliament,” he said. The Chief Whip made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party in the ruling party’s parliamentary party room on the ninth floor of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman in the chair. He said the beauty of democracy lies in resolving national problems through discussion despite differences of opinion. “With that goal, we are determined to turn parliament into an effective and meaningful institution.” Moni said the treasury bench also expects constructive cooperation from the opposition. He said the parliament will be run in line with its Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct, and important laws and policy matters aimed at improving people’s living standards will be placed before the House. “The parliament session beginning tomorrow will be the people’s parliament — the highest democratic institution representing the rights, hopes and aspirations of the people of the country,” the Chief Whip added. At the beginning of the sitting on Thursday, he said a member nominated by the Prime Minister will preside temporarily. After completing the initial formalities, the Speaker will be elected and sworn in, Moni said. The Chief Whip also said the Deputy Speaker will be elected after the Speaker, though the opposition has not yet proposed any candidate.

Chief whip Md Nurul Islam and six whips of the Jatiay Sangsad paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar on Sunday. The whips are G K Gaus, Rakibul Islam, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Opu, M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Akhtaruzzaman Mia, and ABM Ashraf Uddin (Nizan). They laid wreaths at the altar of the memorial and observed a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Liberation War. After the tribute, Chief Whip Nurul Islam signed the visitors’ book at the memorial premises. Speaking on the occasion, he said BNP formed the government with a two-thirds majority in the 13th parliamentary elections after a long 17-year struggle and movement. He said the government will continue its efforts to work for the welfare of the people in line with the 31-point agenda announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the party’s election manifesto. The Chief Whip also expressed hope that the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad session scheduled for March 12 will be vibrant and participatory with the opposition playing a constructive role through discussions in Parliament. He noted that the ordinances issued by the President during the interim government period must be placed in the first sitting of the Parliament and passed within 30 days. Necessary preparations have already been completed in this regard, he added.

Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday stressed the need for ensuring good management in the health sector to increase public confidence further in the country’s healthcare services. “The Prime Minister has a special attention to the health sector of Bangladesh.  The number of hospitals and their beds has increased in the country.  The modern medical equipment and the number of specialist doctors and nurses have increased. Despite this, people are still going abroad for medical treatment,” he said. Read: Coronavirus: Ex-chief whip Shahid infected The chief whip was addressing as the chief guest at a programme in the Milon Hall of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Cancer Mission Foundation arranged the programme  to provide assistance to cancer patients. “It is essential for the doctors and hospital authorities to ensure good management so that the public confidence in the medical services of Bangladesh will increase further,” he said. Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury said the wheel of Bangladesh economy remains moving forward even amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been possible to tackle the pandemic due to the Prime Minister's foresight and timely decision-making as well as steps to reach the healthcare services to the doorsteps of the people, he said. He said many Bangladeshi meritorious doctors and teachers have shown their professional competence successfully in various reputed hospitals and education institutes in foreign lands. “Had they returned home and provided such services here, the nation would be benefited and the tendency of going abroad to receive treatment would decline largely,” said the Chief Whip. He urged all the concerned to work sincerely to ensure international standards in education and healthcare systems. Read:Short, long-term plans needed for water transport sector: Chief whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury said hadn’t Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman been born, Bangladesh would not be independent. And hadn’t his abled daughter Sheikh Hasina been in the government, the development pace of Bangladesh would not have accelerated, she said. Many mega projects, including construction of Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Nuclear Power Plant and Karnaphuli Tunnel are possible due to the sincerity, honesty, hard-work and competent leadership of the Prime Minister, said the Chief Whip. BSMMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, and Housing and Public Works Secretary Md Shahid Ullah Khandaker also spoke at the function presided over by President of Cancer Mission Foundation Prof Dr Md Moniruzzaman, said a press release.

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of former MP elected from Gopalpur-Bhuapur of Tangail and finance secretary of Mujibnagar Government Khandaker Asaduzzaman.