Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Monday called on lawmakers to uphold parliamentary conventions, decorum and mutual respect, stressing the importance of accommodating differing opinions and resolving differences through dialogue while prioritising national interests.
He made the call in his opening remarks at the fourth session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Monday.
Referring to Bangladesh's long struggle for democracy and voting rights, he said the people of the country had repeatedly demonstrated courage, sacrifice and determination in their efforts to establish democratic rights.
The Awami League government had undermined democracy over 17 years through dummy elections, injustice, repression and extrajudicial killings, he said.
Democratic progress was renewed through the mass uprising of July 2024, he said, adding that genuine development in a country was not possible without democracy.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said public expectations from Parliament were immense.
Respecting the people's mandate, upholding the dignity of the Constitution, establishing the rule of law, ensuring accountability and protecting citizens' rights were among the key responsibilities of the current Parliament.
He said the strength of parliamentary democracy lay in discussion, reasoning, mutual respect and responsible expression of differing views.
Recalling the 1971 Liberation War, the Speaker said Bangladesh had achieved its independence and sovereignty through a glorious chapter of sacrifice, courage and patriotism.
The history of the Liberation War, he said, formed the foundation of the country's national identity and remained a source of inspiration for future generations.
He also described the July-August 2024 mass uprising as a significant chapter in Bangladesh's history.
The uprising, driven by the participation of students and people from different walks of life, had brought renewed attention to people's democratic aspirations, their determination to establish rights and their expectations for building a discrimination-free state, he said.