The Jatiya Sangsad reached a rare moment of political consensus on Saturday as it unanimously adopted a thanksgiving motion praising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his successful official visits to Malaysia and China.

Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches hailed the June 21-26 tour as a landmark development in the nation’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir moved the motion, which was passed by voice vote following a comprehensive discussion in the House.

Before the final vote, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, praised the collaborative atmosphere, noting that the debate demonstrated a rare cross-party unity.

“The discussions clearly indicate that the prime minister’s recent visits to Malaysia and China have opened a new horizon in Bangladesh’s foreign policy,” the Speaker stated.

He emphasized that the legislature believes these diplomatic engagements will bolster Bangladesh’s sovereignty, enhance national security, and accelerate economic growth.

Reflecting on the nation’s history, the Speaker noted that while past administrations often struggled to safeguard national interests, the country is now feeling optimistic, adding, “The nation has become optimistic following the successful visits by the leader of the House and prime minister.”

Introducing the motion, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir highlighted the significance of the visits, noting that the Prime Minister traveled as the representative of a democratic government after nearly 18 years of what he described as "fascist rule."

He lauded the signing of multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), specifically pointing to the 17 MoUs finalized during discussions with Chinese leadership.

The minister also noted that both Malaysia and China have reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh’s economic development and pledged cooperation regarding the Rohingya crisis.

Furthermore, the LGRD minister commended the Prime Minister’s decision to forgo elaborate public receptions, stating, “Despite the remarkable success of the tours, the prime minister instructed that no public receptions be arranged, thereby setting a new political culture that avoids unnecessary public inconvenience.”

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury echoed these sentiments, asserting that the visits established a new benchmark for Bangladesh’s diplomacy by anchoring the country’s international engagements in the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy.

“The visits were firmly rooted in Bangladesh’s long-standing foreign policy principles of maintaining friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect, shared interests, non-interference and strategic autonomy,” the Finance Minister said.

He emphasized that the government is committed to maximizing trade opportunities, particularly with China—Bangladesh’s largest trading partner—to reduce trade imbalances, and highlighted the importance of labor and energy cooperation with Malaysia.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also extended his party’s support, emphasizing that on matters of national interest, the opposition stands firmly with the state.

“Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens,” he remarked, urging the government to maintain a truly independent foreign policy that prioritizes the nation above all else.

He called for increased transparency, suggesting that major international agreements be presented to parliament to ensure accountability.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman encouraged a new era of political culture where the government respects the opposition and the opposition contributes constructively to nation-building, rather than engaging in reflexive criticism.

He concluded his remarks by wishing the Prime Minister good health and continued success.

The session ultimately solidified a broad political agreement, with all parties acknowledging that the Prime Minister's recent diplomatic efforts represent a significant step forward in securing Bangladesh’s economic and strategic future.