Chief whip calls for unity in parliament, warns against infighting

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni today urged members of parliament to maintain unity and avoid internal discord, saying nearly all lawmakers in the current House have endured imprisonment, repression, or persecution and must now stand together against fascism.

“Democracy is not a badminton or tennis match where the ball goes back and forth and one side wins. We must decide where we want to take this democracy,” he said while taking part in the thanksgiving motion on the president’s address.

He highlighted the long-standing unity between BNP and Jamaat, describing how they had to walk together under what he termed a fascist government.

Recalling parliamentary proceedings during past regimes, he said, “In this parliament, it used to be said ‘Jamaat–BNP.’ That phrase alone was used to attack us. It would begin with ‘Jamaat–BNP,’ then slogans were hurled against us: ‘Rajakar of ’71,’ ‘Leave Bengal now.’”

“For a long time we endured such circumstances. We tried to remain united,” he added, stressing the need to maintain unity now.