‘Tried to protect country's interests'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday told Parliament that his recent visits to Malaysia and China were guided solely by the interests of Bangladesh and its people, saying any achievements from the tours belong to the nation rather than any person.

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

The Prime Minister said this while extending thanks and gratitude to all members of Parliament, including the Opposition Leader, for unanimously adopting a thanksgiving motion in the House on his recent six-day visit to Malaysia and China.

He said the people of Bangladesh entrusted his government with the responsibility of safeguarding their interests.

"The core issue here is that the people of Bangladesh have given us the responsibility to look after their interests," Tarique Rahman said.

Referring to his party's 'Bangladesh First' slogan, he said guided by that principle they tried to uphold and protect the interests of Bangladesh and its people during the visits.

"None of us has any personal issue here. If any positive thing has been achieved, it is an achievement for Bangladesh. If the people of the country have gained any achievement through these visits, that achievement belongs to them," he said.

On Friday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home from Beijing, wrapping up his six-day maiden overseas visit to China and Malaysia.    �"UNB