The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) on Saturday unanimously adopted a thanksgiving motion recognising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent six-day official visits to China and Malaysia, describing the tour as a significant step in strengthening Bangladesh's foreign relations.
The visits marked the Prime Minister's (PM) first official overseas tour since assuming office.
The motion was moved at the outset of the budget session by Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Adviser Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Following a brief discussion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who presided over the sitting, placed the motion before the House, where it was passed unanimously.
Responding to the motion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked lawmakers and said any achievements resulting from his visits belonged to the people of Bangladesh.
Reaffirming his government's "Bangladesh First" policy, he said:
"I tried my best to uphold and protect the interests of my country."
Before the vote, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the Prime Minister's visits had opened new avenues for Bangladesh's foreign policy and would contribute to strengthening the country's independence, sovereignty, national security and economic development.
He noted that the diplomatic engagements had enhanced Bangladesh's international standing and created new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Taking part in the discussion, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the Prime Minister's visits had set a new benchmark for Bangladesh's future diplomatic engagement and global partnerships.
He expressed hope that the outcomes of the visits would further expand economic cooperation, trade and investment opportunities with key international partners.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed his party's full support for the motion and pledged cooperation with the government in pursuing an independent foreign policy.
Describing China and Malaysia as longstanding and trusted friends of Bangladesh, he also proposed that major international agreements be placed before Parliament in the future to enhance transparency and ensure greater public accountability.
The unanimous adoption of the motion reflected rare bipartisan support in Parliament for the government's recent diplomatic initiatives and its efforts to strengthen Bangladesh's international relations.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
