Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged citizens and lawmakers, including members of the opposition, to join hands in creating a self-reliant, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh.
“The journey toward the desired democracy in the country has begun from today,” he said.
“Our vision is to make every household self-sufficient. By empowering families, the BNP aims to establish a secure, independent, and democratic nation,” he said in his opening address at the first sitting of the 13th parliament.
The premier said that while political parties may differ in ideology, there should be no division when it comes to building a sovereign and self-reliant Bangladesh free from fascism and subjugation.
He criticised the former Awami League government for weakening parliament and pledged to restore it as the central forum for debate and problem-solving.
Tarique said he was elected for the first time as a Member of Parliament from the BNP and was also elected Leader of the House.
“Although I represent my party in the Jatiya Sangsad, as prime minister I represent the country in this Parliament. Regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity, I represent the people of the country. My politics is the politics of protecting the interests of the country and its people,” he added.
During the session, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram and minister for Liberation War Affairs, was elected Speaker, and State Minister for Land Kayser Kamal was chosen as Deputy Speaker.
The 13th parliament began its five-year term with its inaugural session at 11:05am, starting with a recitation from the Holy Quran. In his welcome speech, Tarique nominated veteran parliamentarian Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain to preside temporarily over the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
