PM says foreign tour focused on national interests

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said he had consistently promoted Bangladesh’s national interests during his six-day official visits to Malaysia and China, describing the tour as an effort to advance the welfare of the country and its people.

He made the remarks in the Jatiya Sangsad after lawmakers unanimously adopted a thanksgiving motion recognising the successful completion of his first official visits to the two countries from June 21 to 26. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presided over the sitting.

“The fundamental issue here is that the people of Bangladesh have entrusted us with the responsibility of safeguarding their interests. From our party’s perspective, we use the slogan 'Bangladesh First', the prime minister told Parliament.

“What I have tried to do… from my position is to speak for the interests of my country and its people and to protect those interests,” he said.

He added: “There is nothing personal in this for any of us. If there has been any achievement, it is Bangladesh’s achievement.”

The prime minister thanked all members of parliament, particularly the Leader of the Opposition, for encouraging him to work for the country and its people.

Earlier, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir moved the thanksgiving motion. It was adopted by a voice vote following extensive discussion in the House.

Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches described the visits as a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman both highlighted the strategic importance of the prime minister’s two-nation tour during the debate.

Before putting the motion to a voice vote, the Speaker said the discussion reflected a rare consensus across political parties, with members from both government and opposition contributing “thoughtful and valuable opinions”.

“The discussions clearly indicate that the prime minister’s recent visits to Malaysia and China have opened a new horizon in Bangladesh’s foreign policy,” he told the House.