Equal development for opposition areas, says PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government is committed to balanced development across the country and will ensure equal development support for constituencies represented by opposition lawmakers.

He also said the government remains open to constructive criticism and will take necessary measures based on valid observations.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to supplementary questions during the fourth sitting of the second session and first budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

Responding to a question from MP Anisur Rahman, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to equitable development regardless of political affiliation.

Referring to a recent meeting chaired by the Speaker on parliamentary affairs, he said the opposition leader had raised concerns that some opposition MPs may not have received development assistance distributed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) ahead of Eid.

"I immediately instructed the LGED minister and state minister to ensure that any opposition MP who had not received such support is provided with it without delay," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the government believes in inclusive development and will provide full cooperation to opposition lawmakers in implementing development projects in their respective areas.

When asked whether the government would hold discussions with the opposition to counter alleged misinformation against the ruling party despite development assistance being provided, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said it was too early to comment and suggested waiting to see how the situation develops.

In his response, Tarique Rahman said the government was elected by the people, believes in democracy and remains accountable to citizens.

"If there is any constructive criticism, we will certainly accept it and take appropriate action accordingly," he added.

TZ