Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appealed for the support and collaboration of the public and parliament members, including those representing the opposition, to drive Bangladesh towards becoming a self-sufficient, prosperous, secure, and democratic nation. In his welcome speech at the commencement of the 13th national parliament session, he emphasized the political objective of empowering every household to achieve self-reliance, ultimately aiming for a thriving, safe, and democratic Bangladesh.
Entering the parliamentary chambers at 10:50am for his debut session as an MP, House leader, and Prime Minister, the 60-year-old Tarique was greeted with applause from fellow lawmakers. His wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, expressed their congratulations from the front row of the VVIP lounge as Tarique acknowledged the warm reception and took his place.
The inaugural session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad in Bangladesh commenced at 11:00am with a Quran recitation while the Speaker’s seat remained unoccupied. Subsequently, as the House leader, Tarique delivered the opening speech, highlighting the importance of unified support and cooperation from all elected parliament members across party lines.
Addressing the parliament, Tarique stressed the common goal of establishing an independent, sovereign, secure, and self-reliant Bangladesh, transcending political differences. He expressed the vision of reviving the parliament as the primary platform for rational discourse, debate, and national issue resolutions, contrasting its previous ineffectiveness under the prior government.
Emphasizing his role as the representative of the nation in the parliament, Tarique underscored his commitment to safeguarding the interests of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations. He outlined the BNP’s political agenda centered on enhancing living standards and fostering a self-sufficient Bangladesh.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by individuals during movements for democracy and human rights, Tarique praised the resilience of the country’s courageous citizens who endured hardships under oppressive regimes. He expressed gratitude for embarking on a new journey towards a just, democratic, and compassionate Bangladesh.
Tarique paid tribute to his mother, three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, for her contributions to institutionalizing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Quoting his father, BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he reiterated the party’s core principle of prioritizing the people’s welfare over individual or party interests.
Following the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Tarique called for energizing the national parliament through meaningful debates and constructive dialogues, aiming to fulfill the expectations of the nation’s freedom-loving and democratic citizens. He urged for a vibrant and effective parliamentary session driven by reasoned discussions, rather than opposing for the sake of opposition.