“I can, at least, give the assurance that our opposition parties will be able to make enough criticisms. We won’t create any obstacle (to criticism of the government). We neither did it in the past nor will in the future,” she said.
The Prime Minister gave the assurance taking floor in the first sitting of the opening session of the 11th Parliament to greet newly-elected Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah.
“As the leader of the House it’s my (PM) responsibility to oversee the rights of all the MPs, while you, as the Speaker, will make sure that the treasury and opposition bench MPs can avail of equal opportunities in Parliament,” she said pointing at the Speaker.
“We’ll extend all sorts of cooperation to you in this regard,” the Prime Minister said.
Hasina said the people of the country have regained the trust and confidence in the government as the previous parliament was run in a good manner.
She said her government has been able to maintain the continuation of a democratic process overcoming many obstacles.
The people of the country, including women and young voters, participated spontaneously in the election this time, she said adding,” This parliament was formed through a successful election.”
Saying that democracy takes the country towards prosperity, the Prime Minister said it has been proved right in the case of Bangladesh.
“Since people sent us to parliament as their representatives, casting votes for us….so, we’ll have to keep in mind always the overall development of the people and protection of their interest so that a peaceful situation prevails in the country,” she added.
Hasina said her government’s goal is to build Bangladesh as militancy- drug-corruption-free developed and prosperous country as well as to ensure peace and security of the country’s people.
The Prime Minister congratulated Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Fazle Rabbi Miah on being elected as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker respectively.
Earlier, Deputy Leader of the Opposition GM Quader sought assistance of the newly-elected Speaker for playing their effective role in the House.
“We want parliament to be a lively one and it will have to play an effective role to make that happen. People also expect it,” he said taking floor to greet the newly elected Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Noting that his party has very small number of MPs against more than 250 MPs of the ruling Awami League, GM Quader said, “We expect it won’t create any obstacle. So, we need your assistance in this regard.”
Seeking enough time for opposition bench in the House, the Jatiya Party leader hoped that the treasury bench should pay heed to rational points to be raised by opposition lawmakers.
Taking the floor, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon mentioned the embarrassment of his party facing regarding its role in Parliament.
“The 11th parliament is pleasant for us on one hand and it is a matter of embarrassment for us on the other because, we’re facing questions from all that what will be our role in the House,” he said.
Menon, who was re-elected with Awami League’s electoral symbol ’Boat’ in the December-30 election, claimed that no one discussed with them about their role as opposition in Parliament. “It appears that a decision has been taken and we will have to abide by this.”
He said his party will support the government’s development activities to take the country forwards and also will criticise against corruption and disparities at the same time in the House.
AL MPs Tofail Ahmed and Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, and Jasad president Hasanul Haq Inu also greeted the new Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.