Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom. File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, Mar 12, 2026 (BSS) - Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, today expressed strong optimism that both the treasury and opposition benches will work together in the national interest to realize the dreams and aspirations of the people through constructive parliamentary practices.

Addressing the inaugural sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangbad today, the Speaker said the parliament represents the spirit of democracy and the people of Bangladesh have always remained vigilant guardians of democratic values.

He noted that the country’s hard-earned democracy was established through immense sacrifices by the people. Referring to the Bangladesh’s Liberation War, the Speaker said the historic struggle of 1971 was fundamentally a war for democracy and the rights of the people.

He recalled that the armed struggle for independence began on March 26, 1971 under the leadership of the then Major Ziaur Rahman, inspiring the entire nation to join the war. 

“Students, workers and people from all walks of life fought for nine months and secured independence for the country at the cost of enormous sacrifices,” he said.

The Speaker prayed for eternal peace for the souls of all martyrs of the Liberation War, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Highlighting the evolution of parliamentary democracy, Hafiz said the country witnessed several stages of democratic development over the decades. 

However, democracy was interrupted at different times, including the introduction of a one-party rule in  1975 in Bangladesh, which he described as a moment when democracy was effectively buried.

Despite repeated setbacks and the rise of authoritarian regimes, the Speaker said the people of Bangladesh never stopped resisting autocracy. Through continuous struggles and movements, the nation repeatedly restored the democratic order.

Referring to recent political developments, he said a mass uprising led by students, political activists and ordinary citizens in July and August 2024 ultimately led to the fall of a fascist government. 

He prayed for the departed souls of the martyrs of that movement, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdha and Wasim, who sacrificed their lives for democracy.

The Speaker said the general election held on February 12 this year was conducted in a free and neutral manner, expressing his personal conviction that it was the most credible election among the ten national polls he had experienced in his political life.

“People are now eagerly waiting to see the functioning of this parliament,” he said, adding that fulfilling electoral commitments remains the primary responsibility of every Member of Parliament.

He stressed that the goals of the Liberation War—equality, human dignity and social justice—must guide the activities of the parliament.

According to the Speaker, citizens of this land have struggled for generations to realize those ideals and the responsibility of turning those aspirations into reality now rests with the members of the present parliament.

He emphasized that democracy is essentially a system based on the will of the majority, but it also requires cooperation between the government and the opposition in the greater national interest.

Expressing optimism about the role of all lawmakers, the Speaker said he firmly believes both sides of the House will work together to translate people’s aspirations into reality.

He also assured that the opposition will be given full opportunity to play a meaningful and effective role in parliament.

“To maintain neutrality, I have already resigned from the post of a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” he said, seeking sincere cooperation from all members in conducting parliamentary business.

Describing the parliament as the central hub of political and administrative activities of the country, the Speaker called upon all lawmakers to place national interest above party considerations.

“We are committed to putting national interest above party interest. Bangladesh first—this should be our guiding principle,” he said.

The Speaker concluded his address by thanking the members and expressing hope that the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will become a vibrant institution dedicated to democratic values and the welfare of the people.