Dhaka: Acting Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, has highlighted the exceptionally high expectations placed on the current parliament by the people of Bangladesh, with '36 crore eyes' of the country's 18 crore citizens focused on its proceedings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Barrister Kamal described the present legislature as the 'parliament of the oppressed', noting that a significant number of its lawmakers have endured severe challenges such as execution threats, enforced disappearances, secret detention, imprisonment, persecution, or exile in the past. This, he stated, makes the current parliament unique not only in Bangladesh but also globally.
In an exclusive interview at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, he emphasized that the people anticipate their elected representatives to realize their aspirations through thoughtful debates, constructive criticism, and reasoned decision-making. Kamal underscored the importance of maintaining impartiality and fairness in conducting parliamentary business, a responsibility he takes seriously as the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
He further highlighted the role of both the government and the opposition in strengthening democracy, saying, "Our forefathers sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War to establish a democratic state based on equality, human rights, human dignity, the rule of law, and constitutional governance. The ruling party and the opposition must now work together to institutionalize that democratic journey."
Kamal also pointed to the significance of Parliament as the heart of the country's governance, where laws are enacted, implemented, and interpreted, emphasizing the need for constructive debate between the treasury and opposition benches. He cited examples of other parliaments around the world where state policies are shaped through rigorous debate and deliberation.
Reflecting on Bangladesh's political history, the Acting Speaker mentioned the struggle to establish democracy, human rights, equality, and human dignity during the Liberation War. He recounted the challenges democracy faced post-independence and the restoration efforts led by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
He was critical of developments that weakened democratic institutions, including the events of 1/11, the abolition of the caretaker government system, and parliamentary elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024. Kamal recounted the sacrifices made during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, which led to the restoration of democracy following the end of a fascist regime on August 5, 2024.
Kamal concluded by lauding the parliamentary election held on February 12, 2026, as one of the most peaceful, fair, and participatory in Bangladesh's history, marking the beginning of a new democratic journey with the Jatiya Sangsad at its core.