Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought the support and cooperation of people and the members of parliament, 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 onset of the maiden session of the 13th national parliament.
The 60-year-old stepped onto the parliamentary floor at 10:50am, his first as an MP, the leader of the House, and the PM, to a thunderous welcome from lawmakers. His wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, seated in the front row of the VVIP lounge, stood up to congratulate him.
Smiling, Tarique glanced around, acknowledged the greetings, and then took his seat.
The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad began around 11:00am with a recitation from the Quran, while the Speaker’s chair remained vacant.
Then, as the leader of the House, Tarique delivered the opening remarks.
“In this great national parliament, I also expect the support and cooperation of every elected member of parliament from all parties.”
He 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 it the centre of national activities, he said 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.”
As the PM, he said he represents the country in the parliament and not just his party.
“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.”
The politics of the BNP is focused on improving people’s living standards and building a self-reliant Bangladesh, he said.
He recalled with gratitude those who lost their children, near and dear ones, those injured in the movement for democracy and human rights, as well as those who lost everything due to torture, political harassment or false cases during the fascism.
Tarique honoured the country’s brave citizens, whose “courage and determination could not be broken by violence, harassment or oppression”.
“After years of struggle -- from the 1971 Liberation War to the 2024 fight to protect the country and its people -- we are starting a new journey today. I thank Allah for enabling us to take this path towards a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh.”
Tarique also paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, the three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia, who founded and institutionalised parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.
He reminded the MPs of a statement by his father, the BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, that the people’s interest must come before the interests of any individual or political party.
“This is the essence of BNP’s politics,” he added.
After the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Tarique called for making the national parliament meaningful, effective and vibrant through debates and constructive discussions.
“This is the parliament of the people of Bangladesh. The independence- and democracy-loving citizens of the country are looking to this parliament with hope and expectation. 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.”
