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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government would not tolerate extremism or radicalism under any circumstances, expressing hope for the opposition’s full cooperation in safeguarding democracy and preventing the return of authoritarianism.
Delivering the closing speech of parliament’s budget session, Tarique said differences between the government and the opposition were natural in a democracy but should never turn into hostility.
He stressed that both sides shared a national consensus against extremism, fascism and authoritarian rule.
The prime minister said the government aims to create jobs for millions, strengthen the economy, and gradually introduce a single Universal Card by integrating existing welfare schemes, including family and farmer cards.
He said the administration’s long-term goal is to build a welfare state that guarantees basic public services for all citizens.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the July Charter, Tarique also pledged to strengthen law enforcement, combat corruption, improve accountability, and rebuild state institutions.
He announced plans to increase spending on education and healthcare to 5% of GDP each over the next five years.
He accused the previous Awami League government of weakening key institutions, fostering corruption, and mismanaging the education, healthcare and power sectors, while expressing confidence that Bangladesh could achieve sustainable economic recovery through good governance, transparency, and equal opportunities for all.
