No alternative but to rebuild country and ‘turn things around’: Tarique tells parliament

"Let us not just think of this as a government budget; let's all try to see this budget as a reconstruction budget," he says

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that there is no alternative to “turning things around” and rebuilding the country.

He made the remarks during a discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in parliament on Monday, calling for all lawmakers to work together.

The prime minister said, "The government is moving forward with all its power to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people. However, this is a very difficult path.

"We, the people of Bangladesh, are all people who have come from the villages and are people who live and work alongside other people. The people of Bangladesh are hardworking. We have seen this with our own eyes. Our youth are talented. Our farmers are productive. Our expatriates are patriotic, and our entrepreneurs have potential. So, we have no alternative but to turn things around."

Amid the thumping of tables by members of parliament, the prime minister continued: "I would like to call on all the members of this great parliament and say -- let us not just think of this as a government budget; let's all try to see this budget as a reconstruction budget."

He said, “I want to say -- there may be differences among us, but we will all remain united, God willing, on the issues of restoring the country's economy, alleviating the suffering of the people, restoring confidence in the financial sector, creating employment for farmers, workers, youth, women, and expatriate entrepreneurs, and strengthening democratic institutions.

“Let fascism and dictatorship not take root in Bangladesh again. Let no one make Bangladesh a state subservient to them. This is our conviction today.”