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, the 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.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed elected Speaker, Kayser Kamal Deputy Speaker of 13th Parliament
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.
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.