Jatiya Sangsad (JS) will be transformed into a dignified, effective and truly democratic institution through neutrality, cooperation among members and adherence to parliamentary traditions, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal said.
Delivering his introductory speech in the House on Sunday after assuming office, he thanked all lawmakers for electing him and placing their confidence in him.
“I feel deeply honoured to take responsibility as the Deputy Speaker of this great parliament,” said Jatiya Sangsad Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
“I express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House and all members of parliament for the trust and respect they have shown in electing me,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Kolmakanda-Durgapur constituency (Netrakona-1) for their support in electing him as a Member of Parliament.
Recalling the nation’s history of sacrifice, he paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and freedom fighters who secured independence.
He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, for proclaiming independence, establishing multi-party democracy and rebuilding the state after independence.
He further paid tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in the anti-autocracy movement and restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991, describing her as a prominent democratic leader honoured with the title “Mother of Democracy”.
Referring to the 2024 student-led mass uprising, he said the movement paved the way for restoring democracy by bringing down fascism.
He paid tribute to the martyrs of the July-August uprising, including Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram and Mir Mugdha, and expressed sympathy for those injured and living with disabilities.
Quoting the first Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), he said leadership requires accountability and collective support, urging lawmakers to guide and correct him when necessary.
“The Jatiya Sangsad is the centre of our democratic structure where the sovereign power of the people is reflected through their elected representatives,” he said.
He added that parliament is not only a law-making body but also a platform to ensure government accountability.
Democracy stands on the pillars of rule of law, human rights and effective constitutional institutions, he said, citing constitutional thinker AV Dicey’s theory that all persons are subject to the ordinary law of the land regardless of status.
Both government and opposition play equally important roles in parliamentary democracy, he said.
“The opposition is not an adversary of the government; rather it is an essential part of democracy. A strong opposition makes parliamentary democracy more effective and credible,” he said, calling for unity on national issues.
Referring to British thinker Edmund Burke, he said parliament represents the collective interest of the nation rather than conflicting individual interests.
He assured lawmakers he would perform his duties with neutrality and fairness and protect the rights, dignity and opportunities of every Member of Parliament.
“As Deputy Speaker, my first and foremost responsibility is to maintain neutrality. I have already resigned from my government and party positions to uphold impartiality,” he said.
Parliamentary proceedings will be conducted in line with the Constitution, Rules of Procedure and established traditions, he added.
Referring to his academic experience in the United Kingdom, he expressed confidence that Bangladesh would strengthen its Westminster-style parliamentary democracy through mutual respect and cooperation.
Maintaining the dignity of parliament is a collective responsibility and differences must be expressed with decency and mutual respect, he said.
He described the current parliament as historic, noting many members have endured imprisonment, exile and political persecution.
Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, he said he felt fortunate to serve as a representative of a middle-class farming family and called for collective efforts to build a just and welfare-oriented state.
In his concluding remarks, he said the JS would become a more dignified, effective and democratic institution with the cooperation of all members.
