Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today announced the commencement of a new era for Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad, emphasizing the establishment of a people-accountable and truly representative parliament. He attributed this renewed journey to the sacrifices of countless victims of fascism and the loss of thousands of lives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman, who also serves as the Leader of the House, delivered this message during his welcome speech as he proposed Dr. Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain of the Cumilla-2 constituency to temporarily preside over the House for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling the country to embark on a path toward a just, democratic, and humane Bangladesh.
During his speech, Tarique Rahman paid homage to the martyrs who fought for democracy and rights, from the War of Independence in 1971 to the struggles of 2024. At the onset of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, he also remembered those who lost loved ones, faced injuries, or endured political harassment throughout the movement for democracy and human rights.
He highlighted the resilience of people from various walks of life, including students, farmers, workers, and professionals, who faced repression but remained unsuppressed in their democratic aspirations. The Prime Minister hailed the courageous role of the masses, particularly students, in restoring democracy.
Addressing lawmakers, Tarique Rahman recalled how former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had institutionalized parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. However, he noted that this system was later turned into a mockery through authoritarian governance. He emphasized that Khaleda Zia never compromised with autocracy or fascism.
The Prime Minister expressed his belief in the collective aspiration to establish an independent, sovereign, and self-reliant Bangladesh. He called for cooperation from all political parties to achieve this goal and criticized the previous regime for rendering the Jatiya Sangsad ineffective.
In conclusion, Tarique Rahman proposed Dr. Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the initial session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, citing historical precedents when similar steps were taken in Bangladesh’s parliamentary history.