Today’s parliament belongs to the people: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (12 March) declared the 13th parliament a “People’s Parliament,” calling on the speaker, deputy speaker and lawmakers to transcend party affiliations and fulfil the high expectations of the citizens.

Addressing the House following the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, the prime minister offered his heartiest congratulations to the newly elected members.

In a significant directive, he reminded the lawmakers that their primary identity has shifted with their election.

“I offer you my heartiest congratulations. From today, you are no longer members of any specific party,” he stated, emphasising a departure from partisan politics in favour of national service.

Reflecting on the political landscape of the past decade, the Leader of the House remarked that those who identified themselves as MPs during that period did not truly represent the people.

He asserted that the current parliament is a genuine reflection of the public will, noting that the country’s pro-democracy people are looking toward this House with great hope and expectation.

The prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a “constructive dialogue” within the chamber, stating that the administration intends to make the parliament truly vibrant.

Directly addressing the newly elected speaker and deputy speaker, he noted that their role is paramount in achieving this goal.

“In this regard, your role is greatest,” he told the Chair, pledging his full cooperation and support to ensure the House remains a centre of effective governance.

Earlier in the day, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the lawmaker from Bhola-3, was unanimously elected as the speaker, while Barrister Kayser Kamal of Netrokona-1 was elected deputy speaker.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oaths at the Jatiya Sangsad office this noon.

The inaugural session, which began at 11:05 am with senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain in the chair, marks a turning point in the country’s democratic journey as the 13th Parliament begins its journey just a month after the 12 February general election.