LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir highlights Zia family’s role, urges respect for constitution during ongoing parliament discussion session today. Photo : Video SS

SANGSAD BHABAN, April 30, 2026 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said no other family except that of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman has such a huge contribution to protecting the country's freedom and sovereignty.

"We do not know the name of any other family in the country except that of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman which has such a huge contribution to establishing a sovereign and democratic country," he said.

The ruling party lawmaker said this while taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President's speech at the Jatiya Sangsad here, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram in the chair.

Highlighting the importance of the constitution, the LGRD minister said it is closely linked to the nation's emotions and to the blood sacrificed by three million martyrs.

Although many articles and episodes of the constitution have been changed repeatedly, "we have fought and struggled for this constitution," he said.

Expressing regret over identifying BNP as anti-reformist, the minister said many opposition colleagues are calling BNP anti-reformist. "We are the pioneers of reforms," he added.

Criticising the opposition for remarks about the incumbent president, Fakhrul said the president is the protector of the constitution and an institution. "We have to uphold the dignity of the office in the greater interest of the country," he said.

Taking part in the discussion, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had streamlined the country's economy by developing manpower and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

The minister hoped that the present government would be able to build a new Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in line with the strategy designed by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Greeting the President on his address, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain said he deserves thanks as he has realised that the country was not in the right position due to the fascist regime.

He added that the President also highlighted the development programmes of the present government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Criticising the role of the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, MP, said the party never protested when BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned by the fascist regime. He added that Begum Zia, however, protested the execution of Jamaat leaders and demanded a fair trial for them over crimes against humanity.

Participating in the discussion, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman urged the government to bring to justice all perpetrators involved in killings and forced disappearances, including the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, as quickly as possible.

The first session of the 13th Parliament began on March 12 with President Mohammed Shahabuddin delivering his address.

The Business Advisory Committee later fixed 50 hours for discussion on the speech. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam moved the thanksgiving motion on the President's address, which was seconded by Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.

The House adopted the thanksgiving motion by voice vote, which will be sent to the President.