Sangsad Bhaban, July 15 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday reaffirmed his government's "zero-tolerance" policy on corruption and extremism, pledging to build a people-centred, accountable state while calling for national unity to ensure that fascism, militancy and authoritarianism never return to Bangladesh.

"The government is determined to curb corruption by any means," he said delivering his winding-up speech at the concluding sitting of the 2nd and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

The Prime Minister said the government is taking decisive steps to strengthen law enforcement, protect state resources and restore public confidence in state institutions.

Alleging that around US$16 billion had been siphoned out of the...