Bangladesh, July 16 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday pledged to build a people-centred, accountable and value-based state, saying his government is committed to strengthening democratic institutions, expanding investment in education and healthcare, and ensuring that authoritarianism, extremism and fascism never return to Bangladesh.

Delivering his winding-up speech at the end of the second and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the Prime Minister called for national unity, stressing that political differences in a democracy should never descend into hostility or vengeance.

"The government wants to establish a Bangladesh where the state remains accountable to the people, the economy is inclusive, and every citizen ...