President ends speech with ‘Bangladesh Zindabad’
President Mohammed Shahabuddin concluded his address to the opening session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday with the slogan “Bangladesh Zindabad,” a phrase commonly associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, drawing attention amid the changing political landscape.
The speech was delivered after the election of the speaker and deputy speaker earlier in the day at the Jatiya Sangsad.
He also referred to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman as the “proclaimer of independence” during his address at the opening session of the 13th parliament on Thursday.
While paying tribute to the late Ziaur Rahman, the president used the title “proclaimer of independence”, a description long promoted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) but rejected by the Bangladesh Awami League.
In his speech, Shahabuddin criticised the previous Awami League administration, describing it as “fascist” and accusing it of turning Bangladesh into a “champion in corruption”. He said the situation changed after a BNP government took strict measures against corruption.
The address took place amid protests from lawmakers belonging to an alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who held red placards reading “No betrayal with July uprising” as the president entered the chamber. Several opposition members also remained seated during the national anthem and later staged a walkout while the president was speaking.
During his address, the president described the formation of the 13th parliament as a historic development achieved through the sacrifices of thousands following what he termed one and a half decades of authoritarian rule.
He also praised former prime minister Khaleda Zia for her “uncompromising leadership” and contribution to establishing parliamentary democracy. The president congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and said the BNP and its allies secured a two-thirds majority in an election he described as peaceful, free and fair.
Shahabuddin concluded his speech with the slogan “Bangladesh Zindabad”, which is commonly associated with the BNP. During his tenure under the previous government, he had typically used the phrase “Joy Bangla” in his official speeches.
The 75-year-old president, who assumed office in April 2023 during the Awami League administration, had rarely spoken at public state functions during the 18-month interim government period following the political change in 2024.
Under parliamentary practice, the president’s address at the opening of a new parliament is prepared and approved by the cabinet and reflects the government’s policies and priorities rather than the president’s personal views.
