Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni called upon all political parties to forge unity in the national interest, emphasising that the current parliament must be guided by the philosophy of saving the country first.
“None of us want to die. We all want to live together — we want to save the country first, then ourselves,” the chief whip said on Thursday while participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s speech on Thursday, with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presiding.
Moni noted that many members of the current parliament have experienced prolonged political oppression, cases, attacks and repression. Referring to the house as the “parliament of the oppressed,” he recalled the difficult times of the past.
He said Bangladesh has repeatedly moved forward through crises, instability and political divisions, overcoming famine, lack of democracy and authoritarian rule.
Drawing on historical context, the chief whip said that before independence, people dreamed of building a democratic, non-discriminatory and self-reliant Bangladesh. Although inspired by that dream under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, various oppressive measures, the Rakshabahini’s atrocities, famine and political crises led the country towards despair after independence.
He noted that former president Ziaur Rahman, through his leadership, attempted to turn the country around by restructuring the economy. Although instability returned after his death, the movement to restore democracy strengthened under Khaleda Zia’s leadership.
Moni said after crossing recent experiences of torture, disappearances and political repression, the possibility of a “new sunrise” has now emerged.
Quoting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said that despite differences in party and opinion, everyone should be united in building a “fascism-free, independent, sovereign and humane Bangladesh.”
Stating that making parliament vibrant needs to be preceded by making it effective, the chief whip said, “If parliament is not effective, there is no benefit to it being merely vibrant.”
He noted that the unified position taken in parliament on the energy and gas issue had a positive impact on public opinion, and that the government and MPs have decided to work in the national interest, sacrificing personal benefits.
“We have worked on 133 ordinances, which is a record,” he said, though acknowledging some limitations due to urgency.
The chief whip stressed improving the living standards of rural people, the working class and low-income people. “Politics must be for the people — the farmer, the worker, the rickshaw puller who struggles to survive every day — improving their quality of life is the true goal of democracy,” he said.
“In the interest of the country, in the interest of the people — we must work together,” he added.
