My politics is about protecting the country, its people: PM at JS inaugural session
Tarique Rahman said empowering families economically and socially remains a key objective of the BNP, adding that the party is committed to improving people’s lives and building a prosperous, welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (12 March) said his politics centres around protecting the country and its people, emphasising that the welfare of every family lies at the heart of the government's agenda.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the new parliament, the prime minister said he represents the people of the country regardless of party affiliation, stressing that the goal of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is to make every family self-reliant.
"Building a self-reliant Bangladesh should not be a matter of disagreement. I believe differences in ideology or work plans within our party should not create conflict when it comes to building a welfare-oriented Bangladesh," he said during his welcome speech.
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At the outset of his speech, Tarique paid profound tribute to those killed and injured from the 1971 Liberation War to the 2024 July Uprising.
He noted that, despite the previous government's enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and barbaric prisons such as "Aynaghar," effectively living graves, the democratic aspirations of the nation's youth could not be suppressed.
"It was their courageous stance that restored democracy in the country," he added.
He said, "Parliamentary democracy was reduced to a mere mockery, turning the National Parliament into a stage for ridicule. The country was subjected to patronage-driven governance and systematic exploitation."
Tarique noted that, amid the grief of countless victims of fascist brutality and the sacrifice of thousands of lives, the long-awaited journey of parliamentary democracy resumes today with the start of a truly representative National Parliament, accountable to the people.
Recalling the contribution of the late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in restoring parliamentary democracy, the prime minister added, "She [Khaleda Zia] fought for democracy until her last days and never compromised with autocracy or fascism."
Noting his personal political journey, Tarique Rahman said he has been elected as a member of parliament from the BNP for the first time and will represent the House as prime minister.
He reiterated that his politics focuses on safeguarding the country and ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens.
He observed that, traditionally, former speakers or deputy speakers attend the inauguration of a new parliament. However, due to the fall from the previous government's anti-people actions, the former speaker and deputy speaker were presently missing, on the run or in prison.
In this unprecedented situation, in accordance with the Constitution and parliamentary procedures, he proposed that senior politician and five-time Member of Parliament Khandaker Mosharraf preside over the session.
