President Mohammed Shahabuddin gave his address to the Parliament amidst loud protests, placards, and a subsequent walkout by opposition lawmakers.
As Speaker Hafiz Uddin invited the president to speak, lawmakers from Jamaat-e-Islami stood in protest holding placards with slogans such as “No betrayal over July” and “Stop betraying the July uprising.”
Despite the Speaker’s calls for order and the continued agitation from the opposition, the president took his seat and began his delivery.
During the address, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and BNP lawmakers were seen thumping their desks in support, while the opposition members eventually staged a walkout from the session.
During his speech, President Shahabuddin has stated that the fall of the “fascist government” was achieved through a mass uprising, while detailing the interim administration’s initiatives to honour the July martyrs.
During an address concerning his vision for a renewed nation, the president highlighted the current government’s ongoing activities and its commitment to the legacy of the July movement.
Economic and policy priorities
Addressing the nation’s economic landscape, the president provided updates on inflation and foreign exchange reserves. He expressed his expectation that the government will implement pro-people measures within the agricultural and economic sectors.
Under the guiding policy of “Work to do, build the country, Bangladesh first of all,” President Shahabuddin identified the suppression of corruption and the control of law and order as the administration’s foremost priorities.
Social protection, women’s empowerment
Significant emphasis was placed on social welfare and poverty alleviation. The president announced that the government has introduced free education for women up to the postgraduate level and has initiated microcredit programmes to foster development.
To enhance social security, the government has arranged for the distribution of Family Cards to every household in the country.
Environmental and global concerns
On the environmental front, the president noted that a massive afforestation drive has commenced, with a target of planting 50 million trees annually.
He also touched upon the international climate, specifically mentioning the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.
Shahabuddin concluded by highlighting various governmental steps taken across the social, technological, and economic spheres to ensure the country’s progress.
