Opposition leader urges end to fllatery culture in parliament, calls budget 'roadmap for nation'

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for an end to the culture of political flattery in Parliament, urging the House to function as a forum for responsible democratic debate rather than personality cults. 

He said the "bad culture" of using taxpayers' money to flatter individuals through songs, poetry, or character assassination in Parliament must end.

The opposition leader also criticised the country's healthcare system as being reliant on "copy-and-paste" approaches and patchwork solutions, urging the government to prioritise resolving manpower and logistical shortages in existing hospitals over launching new projects.

Shafiqur called for government funding for madrasa education and broader reforms to improve education standards.

Participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament today (29 June), Shafiqur called for government funding for madrasa education and broader reforms to improve education standards.

He said, "Parliament is not a place for flattery but for fulfilling constitutional responsibilities. Differences between the government and the opposition are natural, but such differences must be respected. The opposition would neither blindly endorse every government decision nor oppose constructive initiatives without justification."

Describing Parliament as resting on two pillars- the government and the opposition, he warned that the parliamentary system would be weakened if either side failed to perform its role effectively.

He called for an end to divisive politics and urged the development of a culture based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Criticising past parliamentary practices, Dr Shafiqur said public funds should never be used to flatter individuals through songs, poetry, or unrealistic glorification, nor to engage in character assassination.

He urged the speaker to ensure such practices are permanently discontinued.

Thanking the finance minister, he described the budget as "a roadmap" for a nation's survival and progress, acknowledging that preparing a 234-page budget within a short period while inheriting a devastated economy was a formidable task.

He said, "No human endeavour is free from shortcomings, and it is the opposition's duty to act as a 'watchdog' by identifying weaknesses, waste, inequality and measures that undermine public interest."

Shafiqur expressed hope that, unlike in previous years, reasonable proposals from both the government and the opposition would be incorporated into the revised budget.

Highlighting long-standing structural weaknesses in budget implementation, Dr Shafiqur said the July-June fiscal calendar often leads to rushed development spending at the end of the financial year, creating opportunities for waste and corruption.

He reiterated his proposal to shift the fiscal year to a January-December cycle and stressed the need to ensure accountable use of public funds through the administration.

Describing corruption and the lack of accountability as the biggest barriers to development, he called for a justice-based budget that prioritises disadvantaged people and underserved regions.

Shafiqur also recommended using technology to improve disaster forecasting and reduce waste and corruption in development spending.

Expressing concern over the education sector, he said Bangladesh's education system has failed to meet even the minimum international standards.

"Despite having numerous universities, the country's global rankings remain disappointing".

He called for appointments based on merit rather than political considerations and proposed special funding for at least five universities to develop them into research-oriented institutions.

He also criticised the absence of budget allocations for Qawmi madrasa education, urging the government to consult Hayatul Ulaya to provide state support while preserving the institutions' distinct educational identity.

He further called for the prompt MPO enlistment of Ebtedayee madrasas and long-deprived teachers through a fair evaluation process, while emphasising the need to improve education, healthcare, and transport facilities in the hill regions.

On economic reforms, Dr Shafiqur said that with honesty and political commitment, the government could exceed its revenue collection target. He argued that businesses are often forced to pay dishonest officials and extortionists in addition to taxes.

"Creating a business-friendly environment would encourage honest taxpayers to comply voluntarily."

He alleged that the budget lacks a clear roadmap for recovering an estimated Tk28 lakh crore siphoned out of the country over the past 15 and a half years. Recovering even one-ninth of that amount, he argued, would eliminate the budget deficit.

He urged the government to secure legal agreements with relevant countries to repatriate and prosecute money launderers, pledging the opposition's full support.

Delivering a strong critique of the healthcare sector, he said, "Healthcare facilities, from rural health centres to medical universities, are treating three to four times more patients than their intended capacity, forcing many to lie on hospital floors. Rather than constructing new buildings, the immediate priority should be strengthening existing hospitals through adequate staffing, equipment, and logistical support."

He described the current healthcare system as being based on foreign "copy-and-paste" models and improvised solutions, calling instead for a fully clinical, patient-centred healthcare system.

At the outset of his speech, Dr Shafiqur paid tribute to the late President Ziaur Rahman, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, General M A G Osmani, and A S M Abdur Rab. He also honoured those killed, injured, or persecuted during the 1990 mass uprising, the 28 October violence, the Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar incident, the July Uprising, and the anti-fascist movement over the past years.

He said his party had lost 11 senior leaders and that he remains the 12th surviving leader, describing Parliament as the "Parliament of the oppressed" and calling for unity, justice, and public trust.