Ruling party wants strong opposition in House: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her call to the Jatiya Oikyafront MPs-elect to join parliament, saying the ruling party wants a strong opposition in real sense.

“We want a strong opposition party in parliament, I hope those who got people's votes will speak in parliament and make whatever comments they want to,” she said.

The prime minister said this in the House, while participating in the general discussion on the president's speech and delivering her closing speech.

She said one elected MP of the Oikyafront -- Sultan Mohammad Mansur Rahman -- has already joined parliament showing respect to voters. “Protecting the dignity of voters, he took his seat in the House.”

The PM firmly said the government will not allow any sort of conflict, terrorism, militancy, drug abuse and corruption in the country. “We're taking stern actions against these menaces,” she said.

Talking about the recently-signed memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia over military cooperation, Hasina said members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will never ever engage in any war joining hands with another country.

Later, the House passed the vote of thanks on the President's speech by voice vote.