Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday sought support and cooperation from people and Members of Parliament (MPs) including those from the opposition to transform Bangladesh into a self-reliant, prosperous, safe and democratic country.
“Our political goal is to make every family self-reliant. Through making every family self-reliant, BNP wants to establish a self-reliant, prosperous, secure and democratic Bangladesh,” he said while delivering his welcome speech at the outset of the maiden session of the 13th Parliament.
The Prime Minister said to achieve the goal he seeks the support and cooperation of democracy-loving people of the country.
“In this great National Parliament, I also expect the support and cooperation of every elected Member of Parliament from all parties,” he added.
Tarique Rahman said he believes that political parties, opinions and programmes may differ.“But there can be no disagreement among us when it comes to establishing an independent, sovereign, secure and self-reliant Bangladesh free from subservience and fascism. There is no conflict on that.”
Instead of making the National Parliament the centre of national activities, he alleged that the ousted fascist Awami League government had rendered the parliament ineffective.
“We want to transform this great National Parliament into the central forum for reasoned discussion, debate and the resolution of national problems,” the Prime Minister added.
Tarique said he was elected for the first time as a Member of Parliament from the BNP and was also elected Leader of the House.
“Although I represent my party in the National Parliament, as Prime Minister I represent the country in this Parliament. Regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity, I represent the people of the country. My politics is the politics of protecting the interests of the country and its people,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the politics of the BNP is focused on improving people’s living standards and building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Addressing fellow Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister recalled the sacrifices of countless people who suffered under fascism and those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom and democracy.
He also paid tribute to mothers who lost their children, families bereaved of loved ones, and those who endured torture, harassment, or false charges, recognising their contributions to Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy.
The Prime Minister honoured the country’s brave citizens—from students, farmers, workers, teachers, poets, writers, journalists, doctors, engineers, and lawyers to rickshaw pullers, businesspeople, public and private employees, and homemakers—whose courage and determination could not be broken by violence, harassment, or oppression.
He congratulated these democracy-loving heroes for helping restore democracy as the 13th National Parliament begins its journey.
“After years of struggle—from the 1971 Liberation War to the 2024 fight to protect the country and its people—we are starting a new journey today. I thank Allah for enabling us to take this path towards a just, democratic, and humane Bangladesh,” Tarique said.
The Prime Minister also paid heartfelt tribute to the late Prime Minister and his mother, Khaleda Zia, who founded and institutionalised parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.
Despite years of oppression and attempts to undermine democratic institutions, he said, she fought tirelessly to restore the people’s rights and uphold justice.
“She never compromised with dictatorship or fascists in her life. From today, the journey of long-awaited parliamentary democracy begins again. Alhamdulillah. Khaleda Zia could not witness this moment of success for the country and its people. Today, standing in this National Parliament, we pay deep respect to the late Khaleda Zia, a remarkable, admirable, and exemplary leader, in the interest of the country and its people,” Tarique said.
He reminded MPs of a statement by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman that the people’s interest must come before the interests of any individual or political party. “This is the essence of BNP’s politics.”
Rahman also referred to the absence of the previous Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the inaugural session, highlighting the long-term impact of authoritarian rule.
In this context, he proposed veteran politician and five-time MP Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the House in line with constitutional and parliamentary rules.
He concluded by warmly welcoming and greeting all Members of Parliament in the maiden session of the 13th Parliament.
Earlier, the 13th Parliament began its five-year journey with its first session, just a month after the February 12 general election, raising public expectations for a vibrant and effective legislature with the presence of a genuine opposition in the House after 12 years.
The maiden session of the newly formed parliament began at 11:05am with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech from the Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
In his welcome speech, the Prime Minister nominated veteran parliamentarian Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain to temporarily preside over the House for the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by Members of Parliament.