PM: Journey of an accountable, representative Jatiya Sangsad begins

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said a truly representative parliament, accountable to the people, has begun its journey anew in the country—born out of the tears of countless victims of fascism and the sacrifice of thousands of lives.

“At this historic moment of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad, I express my gratitude to Almighty Allah, by whose infinite mercy we have been able to begin our journey toward building a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh,” he said.

Rahman, who is also the Leader of the House, made the remarks in his welcome speech while proposing the name of BNP senior leader and lawmaker from Cumilla-2, Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain, to preside temporarily over the House during the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker by the members of parliament.

In his speech, he paid tribute to those who were martyred in the struggle for democracy and rights—from the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 to the movement to protect the country and its people in 2024.

At the start of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the prime minister also remembered with gratitude the families who lost their children and loved ones, as well as those who were injured and forced to give up their normal lives during movements for democracy and human rights. He also recalled those who lost everything due to torture, political persecution or false cases during the period of fascist rule.

In this context, he referred to people from all walks of life—including students, farmers, workers, teachers, poets, writers, journalists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, craftsmen, fishermen, weavers, drivers, businesspeople, government and private employees, homemakers, and leaders and activists of democratic political parties—who endured repression, abduction, killings, torture and harassment.

The prime minister said even secret detention centres known as “Ayna Ghar,” enforced disappearances and other forms of repression failed to crush their democratic aspirations.

He noted that the courageous role of the people—especially students and the masses—ultimately helped restore democracy in the country.

Marking the beginning of the 13th Parliament, Rahman congratulated the democracy- and freedom-loving people of the country, particularly the students and citizens who played a leading role in bringing about this change.

More to follow…