BNP Standing Committee Member and Dhaka-8 MP Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, popularly known as Mirza Abbas, on Thursday said politics is not merely about differences of opinion but is ultimately for the people, while Parliament should serve as a reflection of their hopes and aspirations.

“After returning to Parliament, I feel that national politics or politics is not merely about differences. Politics is for the people, and Parliament is not for opposition; rather, it is for the reflection of the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

The senior lawmaker made the remark, taking the floor for the first time in the House in the 13th Parliament.

Earlier, Mirza Abbas, also the PM’s political adviser, joined the parliament session around 3:50pm after more than five months.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad welcomed him. Lawmakers also welcomed Mirza Abbas by thumping their desks.

Mirza Abbas said, “Today is a very emotional and memorable day in my political life. After 2006, I have got the opportunity to speak in this august chamber of the great Jatiya Sangsad.”

He recalled the contribution of late President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and a pioneer of democracy, as well as former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he described as an uncompromising leader in the country’s democratic movement.

About his health, Mirza Abbas said, “I have been undergoing treatment for around five and a half months. My treatment has not yet been completed.”

He expressed his sincere gratitude to all those who prayed for him and wished for his recovery during his difficult time.

The lawmaker also thanked the President, the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office for continuously keeping track of his health condition.

He prayed to Almighty Allah for his full recovery so that he could devote the remaining time to serving the people of his constituency and the country with greater dedication.

Mirza Abbas also expressed gratitude to his fellow lawmakers, saying their love, good wishes and prayers have helped him overcome the difficult period.

“I sincerely thank all Members of Parliament and the people of Bangladesh. They prayed for me and wished for my recovery through various programmes. Please pray for me so that I can do something for the country and its people during the remaining time,” he said.

Mirza Abbas returned to Bangladesh on Wednesday night after receiving treatment in Singapore and Malaysia for more than five months.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists were present at the airport to welcome him after his prolonged stay abroad. In particular, BNP leaders and activists from Dhaka-8 constituency and its affiliated organisations gathered at the airport to greet him.

In the 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12 last, Mirza Abbas was elected MP from Dhaka-8 constituency on the BNP ticket. Later, he was made the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs.

The BNP leader suddenly lost consciousness while taking Iftar on March 11, just a day before the 13th Parliament went into its first session on March 12.

He was admitted to Evercare Hospital late that night.

Following brain surgery at the Dhaka hospital, he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on March 15. After receiving treatment there, he was later taken to Malaysia for physiotherapy.