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killings, Shafiqur said victims and their families had expected quicker progress after the “democratic government” assumed office four months ago.

He added that accountability should extend beyond public acknowledgement.

“This is not only a matter of social recognition; there must also be judicial accountability. All perpetrators, regardless of how powerful or influential they may be, must be brought to justice.”

The opposition leader urged the government to bring all victims of enforced disappearances and killings over the past 17-and-a-half years under state consideration and strengthen the recognition already accorded to those killed during the July uprising.

On parliamentary politics, he described the treasury and opposition benches as the “two wheels” of parliament, saying one could not function effectively without the other.

On the proposed budget, Shafiqur welcomed the increase in allowances for decorated freedom fighters but said the benefit should be extended to all freedom fighters.

Referring to the closure of Ad-din Medical College Hospital, he said those found responsible should face trial and punishment following a proper investigation. However, he warned that keeping the hospital closed without alternative arrangements would jeopardise the academic future of hundreds of students.

He said around 750 medical students and a similar number of nursing students were affiliated with the institution.

“Our response should be humanitarian and logical,” he said, urging the government to reopen the hospital without delay.

Shafiqur also proposed aligning Bangladesh’s fiscal year with the calendar year, from January to December, instead of the current July-June cycle, arguing that the move would reduce year-end spending pressures and curb waste and corruption.

He also suggested placing budget implementation review reports before parliament every three to four months.

The opposition leader criticised the proposed budget for lacking a clear roadmap for recovering money allegedly laundered abroad.

He said recovering even a fraction of the funds would significantly reduce the budget deficit and urged the government to pursue legal measures with the relevant countries to bring the money back.

Shafiqur also called for bringing Qawmi and Ebtedayee madrasas under budgetary support, including eligible educational institutions in the MPO scheme, transforming universities into research-oriented institutions, increasing investment in education and healthcare in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and workforce, forming a parliamentary task force for expatriate Bangladeshis, and dismantling labour recruitment syndicates, particularly those linked to the Malaysian job market.