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government believes it is not limited to border protection alone. It also covers sovereignty, public safety, economic stability, food and energy security, cybersecurity, and strategic capacity.

The government has begun building a defence system, enhancing defence industry capabilities, and modernising defence management, he said.

Labelling film, drama, music, and sports as part of the “creative economy”, Tarique said initiatives had been taken to bring these sectors into the mainstream of the national economy.

Turning to energy, the prime minister said the government inherited a sector plagued by limitless corruption, waste of public funds due to flawed planning, and contracts that sidelined domestic companies such as BAPEX in favour of foreign firms.

He said all necessary measures were being taken to restore discipline in the energy sector, including diversifying energy sources, expanding domestic gas exploration, promoting renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency.

Tarique also said the treasury and opposition benches could work together in parliament on constitutional amendments, with the July charter serving as the guiding framework.

The prime minister said Bangladesh could also advance reforms beyond parliament by building public support for issues of national importance and pursuing reform-oriented programmes.

Agreeing with Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, Tarique acknowledged that differences might exist between the treasury and opposition benches.

“But we shall remain united on reviving the economy to ease people’s suffering, restoring discipline and rebuilding trust in the financial sector, creating opportunities for farmers, workers, youth and expatriate entrepreneurs, and strengthening democratic institutions,” he said.

“Let our pledge today be that in this Bangladesh, fascism or autocracy shall never again take root, and no one shall ever turn this country into a client state,” he added.

The prime minister reassured citizens that both his government and parliament belong to the people.

His remarks came as Jamaat had yet to formally respond to the ruling party’s request for the opposition to nominate members to a proposed parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments.

On June 16, Opposition Leader and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman told a press conference that the opposition would not nominate representatives to the government’s proposed amendment committee, stressing that it favoured constitutional reform rather than mere amendment.