Democracy is essential for progress of Bangladesh: Speaker

National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said that Bangladesh cannot achieve freedom or sustainable prosperity without the practice of democracy.

“A parliament formed through free and fair elections will be able to move the country forward,” the Speaker said while responding to questions from journalists at Barishal Circuit House on Thursday noon during a stopover on his way to Bhola.

The Jatiya Sangsad Speaker stressed that strengthening democratic institutions is key to ensuring economic advancement.

“It is only through a robust democratic system that Bangladesh can achieve meaningful economic progress,” he added.

The National Parliament Speaker also observed that people are now showing greater interest in politics than in education and sports, although Bangladesh achieved independence through political consciousness.

“At times, when authoritarian rule takes hold, students and young people take to the streets on behalf of the people and restore democracy,” he said.

Highlighting recent political developments, the Parliament Speaker said that the fall of what he described as authoritarian rule over the past 16 years driven by students and the general public marks a “glorious chapter” in the country’s history.

“The people’s growing awareness and commitment to democracy will take Bangladesh much further,” he added, expressing hope that democratic governance would be further strengthened in the country.

Earlier, the National Parliament Speaker was accorded a guard of honour at the Barishal Circuit House before leaving for Bhola.