Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called for a collective effort to eradicate the culture of abusive language in politics, stressing that freedom of speech must remain bound by the limits of decency.
“Democracy is prevailing in the country now and freedom of speech is unrestricted. But we must remember that freedom of speech should not cross the boundaries of decency,” he remarked during his concluding address at the third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
The Leader of the House asserted that Bangladesh must not revert to fascist or authoritarian rule, while maintaining that the nation’s political discourse should similarly reject vulgarity.
“We do not want fascist and autocratic rule to be imposed on the shoulders of the people of Bangladesh. Likewise, no conscientious person or patriotic politician would want our political culture to degenerate into a culture of abusive language,” he said.
Calling on politicians across the political spectrum to act responsibly, Tarique questioned why public figures employ words in public forums that they would avoid using in their own homes.
“Why should we use in public forums words that we do not feel comfortable using within our family environment? Why should we not refrain from using such language in the public sphere?” he asked. “If we truly agree on this issue, let us take a united stand against the culture of abusive language.”
The prime minister warned that fractures and internal conflict among democratic forces could create opportunities for ousted autocratic elements to stage a return.
“Whether we belong to the ruling party or the opposition, let us all work together to build a welfare state. That is why I always say: ‘Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all’,” he said, adding that state-building remains a solemn duty to martyrs and future generations.
While acknowledging that differing opinions and political competition are natural elements of democratic governance, he cautioned against allowing disagreements to turn into hostility.
“There will be differences of opinion in a democratic governance system, as well as political competition. That too is a democratic practice. But we must remain vigilant so that differences of opinion do not turn into enmity,” he told Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
The parliamentary session resumed at 3:00 pm with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.
Following the Maghrib prayers, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad read out the president’s prorogation order. The third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad had commenced on 27 August.
