ZCZC
JS-08
JS-PRESIDENT-SPEECH
Work jointly to establish exploitation-free ‘Sonar Bangla’: President
SANGSAD BHABAN, Jan 30, 2019 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid today said
the Bangalee nation needs to forge unwavering unity to build exploitation
free “Sonar Bangla” by uprooting terrorism, militancy, drug abuse and
corruption from the society.
“I urge upon all, irrespective of political affiliations, religion, caste,
and creed to accelerate the ongoing democratic process and socio-economic
development of the country,” the President said while addressing the first
session of the 11th Parliament with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in
the chair.
Leader of the House Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition’s Deputy
Leader GM Quader and lawmakers of both treasury and opposition benches were
also present during the President’s speech.
The head of the state called upon the treasury bench and opposition to
jointly play a constructive and effective role in parliament to establish
an exploitation-free ‘Sonar Bangla’ dreamed by Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Terming the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) as the centre-point of people’s hopes and
aspirations, he said no nation can ever achieve peace and happiness without
consensus about national issues.
Abdul Hamid categorically called for a concerted effort from all
political parties and people to reach a consensus on the basic issues of
the country, including regular practice of democracy, rules of law and
unending socio-economic development.
“The treasury bench and opposition will have to play constructive role to
ensure transparency, accountability, tolerance, human rights and rule of
law and to materialize the nation’s dream and aspiration,” he added.
In his 187-page speech, the President highlighted Sheikh Hasina
government’s activities and successes in different areas, including
economy, trade and commerce, agriculture, power, foreign relations,
tourism, education, health, good governance, women and children
development, sports and youth development, rural development, expatriates’
welfare, science and technology, development of foreign relations,
information and communication technology (ICT) and public administration.
Referring to formation of new government, the President said, “A fresh
spirit has been infused in all spheres of national life after the
assumption of office by the newly formed government.”
He hoped that the multidimensional initiatives undertaken by the government
under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in various areas will
be further strengthened and expedited in days to come.
“Ours is a journey towards peace, democracy, development and prosperity . .
. And we have to keep it up,” President Hamid mentioned.
He said the nation will celebrate centenary birthday of the father of the
nation in 2020 and the golden jubilee of the Independence in 2021 for being
a middle income country.
“Nevertheless, our dream is not limited here . . . We need to look beyond
2021 and the nation expects that we will appear to the international arena
as a developed and prosperous country by 2041 showing our dignity,” he
added.
MORE/SIR/QC/1924 hrs