Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam on Thursday said the Leader of the Opposition had requested the Speaker to apply the guillotine motion on the FY2026-27 budget, saying further discussion was unnecessary – a move he described as unprecedented in Bangladesh's parliamentary history.

Addressing a post-budget press conference at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad, he said the government and the opposition had demonstrated rare cooperation throughout the budget session, reflecting a shared commitment to national development, safeguarding the country's sovereignty and independence, and strengthening democracy.

The Chief Whip said the newly passed budget reflected broad parliamentary participation and marked a significant departure from previous parliamentary practices. 

Nurul said it was the first budget under Tarique Rahman and the first in Bangladesh's parliamentary history in which the opposition participated in the budget process from beginning to end.

Although the opposition had initially been allocated around 26 percent of the total debate time, he said the government extended the opportunity, allowing opposition lawmakers to speak for nearly 31 percent of the proceedings.

"The government listened to every opposition member. They were allowed to speak for 30 to 35 minutes whenever necessary. This demonstrates our commitment to democratic practice," he said.

According to the Chief Whip, the budget generated extensive debate both inside and outside parliament. However, unlike previous years, it did not trigger nationwide protests, while prices of essential commodities remained stable before and after the budget announcement.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had described the budget as a "Jibon Bandhob" (people-friendly) budget designed to directly benefit ordinary citizens.

Nurul Islam said taxes on 63 essential commodities had either been reduced or kept unchanged and expressed hope that market prices of those products would decline accordingly.

Responding to questions about financing the budget despite tax reductions, he quoted the Prime Minister as saying, "If this money is prevented from leaving the country, Bangladesh will not face a shortage of resources. Alongside this, we will reduce corruption and ensure decentralisation."

The Chief Whip said the government had inherited a severely weakened economy, including a fragile banking sector, a rising US dollar and widespread financial irregularities, but claimed the administration had restored stability over the past four months.

He also highlighted several major initiatives announced by the Prime Minister, including the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects, a programme to plant 250 million trees, excavation of 20,000 kilometres of canals, and the introduction of farmers', expatriate and health cards, along with family cards.

Under the family card programme, around five million low-income families will receive Tk2,500 a month in the names of women, while nearly four million farmers will receive farmers' cards.

"The objective is that no one should go hungry and every family should gradually become self-reliant," he said.

Referring to social media, Nurul Islam alleged that much of the content circulating on digital platforms was misleading and stressed the responsibility of mainstream media to present accurate information to the public.

Responding to questions on constitutional issues, he said the government remained committed to implementing the July Charter through constitutional amendments while continuing broader discussions with all political parties.

He said constitutional amendments and institutional reforms were complementary processes and expressed optimism that political consensus would be reached.

On the recent measles outbreak, the Chief Whip said the government was treating the situation with utmost seriousness. He said sufficient vaccines were now available across the country and that the government was working to contain the disease while ensuring accountability for any negligence.

Replying to questions on relations with neighbouring countries, Nurul Islam reiterated that Bangladesh sought peaceful and respectful relations with all its neighbours while firmly protecting its sovereignty.

"Our young generation is courageous, patriotic and deeply committed to the country's independence. Bangladesh is a strong and independent nation," he said.

The Chief Whip also said parliamentary standing committees would be constituted within the constitutional timeframe and assured greater transparency in legislative business as the current parliament continued its work.

Jatiya Sangsad Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu was present at the briefing.