Opening of 13th Jatiya Sangsad: Let democracy now take root

The opening of the 13th JatiyaSangsad marks a historic and hopeful moment in the political life of Bangladesh.

After the fall of fascist Sheikh Hasina’s 17-year rule-widely criticised for its authoritarian character-the country has been given a renewed opportunity to restore democratic governance and revive the spirit of parliamentary accountability.

The convening of a new parliament is therefore not merely a constitutional formality; it is a powerful symbol of the people’s determination to reclaim their democratic rights.

This transition has come at a heavy price. More than 1,400 martyrs are remembered for sacrificing their lives in the struggle that ultimately paved the way for the restoration of democracy.

Their courage and sacrifice will remain etched in the nation’s history as a reminder that freedom and justice often demand great cost.

The responsibility now rests with the country’s political leadership to honour those sacrifices by building a democratic system that reflects the will and aspirations of the people.

The inaugural sitting of the new parliament demonstrated both the vibrancy and the intensity of Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Differences of opinion and passionate debate are natural elements of any functioning democracy.

What is crucial, however, is that these differences are channelled through constitutional institutions, particularly parliament-the central forum where national issues must be discussed and resolved.

Prime Minister TariqueRahman’s call for a “meaningful, effective and vibrant” parliament is therefore timely.

The success of the 13th JatiyaSangsad will depend on whether lawmakers, both in government and in opposition, can rise above partisan interests to serve the broader national good.

The treasury benches must ensure transparency and responsiveness, while the opposition must exercise its role in holding the government accountable through reasoned debate and constructive criticism.

Bangladesh now stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey. The fall of a long-entrenched regime has opened the door to political renewal and institutional reform.

But democracy cannot be sustained by change of government alone; it requires a culture of tolerance, respect for dissent and adherence to constitutional norms.

The martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom deserve nothing less than a democratic order that safeguards justice, liberty and the rule of law.

The 13th JatiyaSangsad must therefore prove worthy of that legacy and demonstrate that Bangladesh’s democratic revival is both genuine and enduring.