Parliament adopts thanksgiving motion on PM's Malaysia-China tour

Parliament today (27 June) unanimously adopted a motion expressing thanks to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for what lawmakers described as the "extraordinary success" of his official visits to Malaysia and China.

The motion was moved at the beginning of the day's sitting by LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and was passed by voice vote following a brief discussion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from 21  June to 26 June and returned home from China on Friday (26 June).

Placing the motion, Mirza Fakhrul said the tour was of great significance for Bangladesh as it further strengthened the country's relations with Malaysia and China.

He said the Prime Minister concluded a number of agreements during the visit and helped deepen bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect.

"The elected leader has established a strong national and international standing after leading the long struggle against fascism," he said, adding that the Prime Minister is working firmly for the welfare of the people and has set new standards in governance.

The minister also noted that, unlike former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who used to receive public receptions before and after foreign visits, Tarique Rahman had instructed that no such receptions be organised.

Highlighting the outcomes of the China visit, Fakhrul said Bangladesh signed 17 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with China and that Chinese President Xi Jinping held extensive and cordial talks with the Prime Minister.

He said both Malaysia and China reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic development and indicated their willingness to assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking in support of the motion, said the Prime Minister had introduced a new political culture by avoiding large ceremonial receptions at airports during official visits.

He said the Malaysia and China tour reflected Bangladesh's foreign policy based on mutual respect, mutual interests, non-interference, and national sovereignty.

"The Prime Minister has established a benchmark for Bangladesh's future relations with the world, and the policy was consistent with the diplomatic principles introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman," he said.

He said discussions in Malaysia focused on Bangladesh's labour market, energy cooperation, and trade interests, while talks with China covered infrastructure development, reducing the bilateral trade gap, and increasing Bangladeshi exports.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also endorsed the motion, saying Bangladesh should pursue a genuinely independent foreign policy based on equality and mutual respect.

"The country belongs to all of us. As the opposition, we assure the government of our cooperation wherever it serves the national interest," he said.

Describing Malaysia and China as long-standing and trusted friends of Bangladesh, he stressed the need to diversify exports beyond the ready-made garments and overseas workforce sectors through short-, medium-, and long-term planning.

Dr Shafiqur also urged the government to place all major international agreements before Parliament in the interest of transparency and accountability.

"We do not want anyone to interfere in our independent foreign policy. The country's interests must come first," he said.

He also expressed the hope that Parliament would remain the centre of all major state affairs and that both the government and the opposition would be judged by people through their performance.

The motion, adopted unanimously by voice vote, stated that Parliament expresses its gratitude to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman for the "extraordinary success" of his  21-26 June visits to Malaysia and China.