Opposition seeks financial sector discipline

Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday called on the government to intensify its anti-corruption drive and restore discipline across the financial sector, saying corruption cannot be eradicated unless all stakeholders are held accountable.

Speaking during his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the second and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, Shafiqur Rahman said no one, including members of parliament, should be spared if found involved in corruption.

“If this Parliament does not become a patron of corruption, I am absolutely confident that corruption will leave Bangladesh entirely,” he said.

The opposition leader argued that corruption could not be eliminated through isolated efforts or by blaming any single group.

“Some blame bureaucrats, some blame businessmen and others blame politicians for corruption. I say the responsibility belongs to all of us. It is impossible to make any single sector corruption-free in isolation. It requires a coordinated effort,” he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s earlier pledge to “grab corruption by the throat”, Shafiqur said the government’s immediate priority should be to curb corruption through firm enforcement.

“We want the government to restrain corruption by grabbing its hands first. Handcuff it, and if necessary, keep a cross-shackle on its foot and lock its mouth, and then finally grab its throat,” he said.

“If anyone, including me or any member of this House, is involved in corruption, no one should be spared,” he added.

Calls for financial discipline
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also urged the government to restore discipline in the banking, insurance, corporate and capital market sectors.

Referring to Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury’s commitment that restoring financial discipline was the government’s top priority, he said the pledge should be reflected across all major economic institutions.

“We want to see that commitment reflected everywhere—from this Parliament to the banking sector, insurance, corporations and the stock market,” he said.

Shafiqur also called for equitable allocation of development funds among lawmakers, regardless of political affiliation.

“We want a balanced distribution of funds,” he said, urging the government to ensure fairness in development spending.

Budget and other observations
The opposition leader welcomed the government’s decision to increase budget allocations for the education and health sectors in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

He also proposed appointing designated religious teachers at the primary school level, arguing that religious education should begin from the early stages of schooling.

Expressing sorrow over the recent flood-related deaths in four divisions, particularly in Chattogram, Shafiqur urged the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to consider providing special financial assistance to the families of those killed.

Addressing the Speaker, he expressed hope that parliamentary proceedings would continue to be conducted firmly, impartially and in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.

Recalling the opening of the current parliament, Shafiqur said the opposition had pledged to move away from the confrontational political culture of the past.

“We said we would criticise the government, but within the grammar of Parliament. Alhamdulillah, I am pleased and partially convinced that there has been considerable improvement, though some negative practices still remain. I hope those will also disappear,” he said.

The opposition leader also thanked the Prime Minister for announcing that the July Memorial Museum would open on 5 August and urged the government to ensure that the significance of the July movement is permanently preserved in the nation’s history.