The corridors of the Jatiya Sangsad saw a rare display of political civility on Monday as Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his parliament office – a rare meeting in Bangladesh’s political culture that reflected subtle gestures of respect.
The encounter followed the funeral prayer of Professor Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, at the South Plaza of the parliament complex.
Standing side by side during the funeral, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader shared a quiet moment of condolence before walking together towards the parliament building.
During the walk, Dr Shafiqur Rahman requested a brief conversation with the Prime Minister. Without hesitation, Tarique Rahman invited him to his office in parliament.
Inside, the two leaders spoke for about 20 minutes in a meeting described by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon as cordial but concise.
After the discussion, Tarique Rahman escorted Dr Shafiqur Rahman a short distance toward his office – a simple act, yet one that drew appreciative attention from observers.
Rumon noted that such gestures are characteristic of the Prime Minister, who consistently shows courtesy and respect in her interactions with political colleagues and the public alike.