NewKerala.com

Bangladesh PM Calls for Cross-Party Unity in New Parliament's First Session

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opened the first session of the 13th Parliament with a call for cooperation from all MPs, including the opposition, to build a self-reliant and democratic nation. He emphasized making the parliament meaningful through constructive debate, not opposition for its own sake. The session saw Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Barrister Kayser Kamal unanimously elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. However, opposition lawmakers walked out in protest during the President's speech, signaling early tensions in the new parliamentary term.

Key Points: Bangladesh PM Seeks Opposition Cooperation in New Parliament

  • PM calls for cross-party cooperation
  • Opposition stages protest walkout
  • New Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected
  • Goal is a self-reliant, democratic Bangladesh
2 min read

Bangladesh: PM Tarique Rahman calls for cooperation across parties in 13th parliament's first session

PM Tarique Rahman calls for national unity to build a self-reliant Bangladesh, as opposition lawmakers stage a protest walkout during parliament's opening.

"Our political goal is to make every family self-reliant. - Tarique Rahman"

Dhaka, March 12

As Bangladesh convened the first session of its newly-elected parliament, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for support and cooperation from citizens and Members of Parliament, including those in the opposition, to build a self-reliant, prosperous, safe and democratic country, local media reported.

"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," Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted Rahman as saying while delivering his welcome speech at the opening of the maiden session of the 13th Parliament.

Rahman said achieving the goal would require the support and cooperation of people across the country.

"In this great National Parliament, I also expect the support and cooperation of every elected Member of Parliament from all parties," he said, stressing the need to make the 13th National Parliament meaningful, effective and vibrant through debates and constructive engagement.

Earlier in the day, during the beginning of the session, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmakers Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Barrister Kayser Kamal were unanimously elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the parliament.

Following the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Rahman further said: "This is the Parliament of the people of Bangladesh... independence and democracy-loving citizens of the country are looking to this Parliament with hope and expectation."

Congratulating the new Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, the PM said that both no longer represent any party and assured that all elected members will be treated equally, describing them as "the guardians of this Parliament."

"In the interest of the people, we want to make this Parliament meaningful. We should not oppose anything for the sake of opposition. Rather, through reasoned discussion and debate, we want to make this House vibrant and effective," he added.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers walked out of the parliament in protest against Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin's constitutionally mandated speech, marking the start of the session, UNB reported.

As PM Rahman and ruling party MPs rose to welcome the President, opposition lawmakers signalled their protest by remaining seated in their chairs.

The move was seen as an early setback for the smooth functioning of the House, undermining parliamentary protocol and Parliament's constitutional position.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a neighbour, we want to see a stable and prosperous Bangladesh. A functional parliament is key for that. PM Rahman's words are positive, but the opposition's protest shows the deep divisions. The path to a "self-reliant" nation needs unity.
A
Aman W
Interesting to see the BNP's vision. "Making every family self-reliant" is a noble goal, similar to our own development schemes. The challenge is always in the implementation. Wishing our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters well.
S
Sarah B
The optics of the opposition walking out during the President's speech are not good for democratic norms. If they want to be treated as equal guardians of the Parliament, they need to engage, not disengage from the very first moment.
V
Vikram M
Constructive debate is the soul of a parliament. PM Rahman is right to stress on that. Hope the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, now in neutral roles, can genuinely foster that environment. A strong Bangladesh is good for the entire subcontinent.
N
Nisha Z
The promise to treat all MPs equally is crucial. Let's see if this translates into giving the opposition a fair voice in debates and committee assignments. The walkout was a symbolic protest, but now the real work must begin for the people's sake.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50