Parliament opens with call for democracy
The fourth session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad began on Monday with Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram calling for the restoration of democratic values, the rule of law and institutional accountability, saying that meaningful national development is impossible without democracy.
In his opening address, the Speaker said the country’s democratic progress had been severely undermined by the previous Awami League government over 17 years through injustice, oppression, repression, dummy elections and extrajudicial killings. He credited the July-August 2024 mass uprising with reviving the people’s struggle for democratic rights.
The parliamentary sitting commenced at 3:30pm on Monday, with Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.
Describing Parliament as the highest institutional expression of popular sovereignty, democratic aspirations and public opinion, the Speaker said Bangladesh had a long and eventful history of struggles to establish democracy and secure voting rights.
He said the people had repeatedly demonstrated courage, sacrifice and determination in their efforts to uphold democratic rights.
Criticising the previous administration, he said the Awami League government had undermined democracy for 17 years through manipulated elections, repression and extrajudicial killings.
The democratic movement, however, gained renewed momentum through the July 2024 mass uprising, which brought students and people together in the struggle for political and democratic rights.
Emphasising Parliament’s responsibility in strengthening democratic governance, Hafiz Uddin said public expectations of the Jatiya Sangsad were enormous.
He said upholding the Constitution and respecting the people’s mandate, establishing the rule of law, ensuring accountability and protecting citizens’ rights should be among the principal responsibilities of the current Parliament.
The Speaker observed that parliamentary democracy derived its strength from constructive debate, reasoned arguments, mutual respect and responsible expression of opinions. These principles, he said, were essential to making Parliament an effective institution.
Referring to the Liberation War of 1971, Hafiz Uddin said the country’s independence and sovereignty had been achieved through immense sacrifice, courage and patriotism.
He described the history of the Liberation War as a glorious chapter in the nation’s journey, saying it remained the foundation of Bangladesh’s national identity and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Highlighting the significance of the July-August 2024 uprising, the Speaker said it had become an important chapter in the country’s history.
He said the mass movement, involving students and people from different sections of society, had once again brought forward the people’s democratic aspirations, determination to establish their rights and hopes for building a discrimination-free state.
The Speaker expressed the expectation that the Jatiya Sangsad would reflect those aspirations through effective parliamentary practices, constitutional responsibility and democratic accountability.