The July-August mass uprising of 2024 brought people’s democratic aspirations, the establishment of rights and hopes for a state without discrimination to the fore in a new way, Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said on Monday.
He made the remarks in his opening speech to the fourth session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
Addressing members of parliament, the Speaker said Bangladesh won its independence and sovereignty through the great Liberation War of 1971. Just as the history of that independence is a glorious chapter of sacrifice, courage and patriotism, the July-August uprising of students and the public in 2024 will remain a significant chapter in the country’s political history, he said.
“This uprising began a new journey for people’s right to vote and for genuine democracy,” he said.
He noted that a country cannot achieve real development without democracy, which is why ordinary people expect a great deal of the 13th parliament. Respecting the people’s verdict, upholding the dignity of the constitution, establishing the rule of law, ensuring accountability and protecting citizens’ rights are among the main duties of this parliament, he said.
Calling on members to preserve the atmosphere of parliamentary democracy, the Speaker said its core strength lies in discussion, reasoning, mutual respect and responsible expression of opinion. “The beauty of parliamentary democracy is the coexistence of differing views and different paths,” he said.
He added that solutions to all problems must be sought through debate inside parliament, and that the national interest must be given the highest priority, above party identity.
The Speaker expressed hope that during the session members would show respect for parliamentary practice, decorum and one another, and play an active role in meeting the expectations of the country and its people.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report