Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called upon all to unite against the culture of abusive language, stressing the need for responsible behaviour in public discourse.
He made the call while delivering his concluding speech at the third session of the 13th National Parliament.
“The fascist regime had taken away all democratic rights of the people, including freedom of speech. At present, there is a democratic environment in the country and freedom of speech is unrestricted. But we must remember that freedom of speech should not cross the limits of civility,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said no one wants the people of the country to be subjected to a fascist, authoritarian regime again.
“Likewise, no conscious person or patriotic politician will want our political culture to turn into a culture of abusive language. That is why all of us, irrespective of party affiliation, must play a responsible role,” the Prime Minister said.
He questioned why words that people will not feel comfortable using in a family environment should be used in the public domain. “Why should we use such words in public life? Why cannot we refrain from using such words in the public sphere? Through you, Mr Speaker, I want to leave this question before all members of this House and all conscious citizens of the country,” he said.
“If we are genuinely united on this issue, let us all play a united role against the culture of abusive language,” Tarique Rahman said.
Members of Parliament repeatedly thumped their desks in support of the Prime Minister’s remarks.
The final sitting of the third session began at 3:00pm with Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal in the chair. After Maghrib prayers, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad read out the President’s order proroguing the session.
As per parliamentary tradition, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqul Rahman spoke first, followed by Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who began his speech at 7:44pm and concluded it at 8:17pm.
The third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad began on August 27.
Conflict, division may revive fascist forces
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also called for unity among democratic forces, warning that conflict and division could create a path for the ousted fascist forces to return.
He called on members of both the ruling and opposition benches to work together to build a welfare-oriented state.
“My appeal to the people and to the forces of democracy is this: let us not forget that divisions and conflicts among the pro-democracy forces may ultimately revive the ousted fascist evil forces and perhaps pave the way for them,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said everyone must continue working together to rebuild the state for the sake of future generations and as part of their duty to the martyrs.
The Prime Minister said differences of opinion and political competition are natural in a democratic system, as such differences exist around the world and political competition is also part of democratic practice.
“But we must remain vigilant so that differences of opinion do not turn into hostility,” he said.
