BanglaPress Desk: Speaker of the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, has remarked that the mass uprising of July 2024 has paved the way for the resurgence of democracy in the country. He emphasized that true development is impossible in any nation without democracy.
He made these remarks on Monday (November 9) during his opening address at the fourth session of the 13th National Parliament.
Noting that the strength of parliamentary democracy lies in discussion, reasoning, and mutual respect, the Speaker urged Members of Parliament to prioritize the national interest, uphold parliamentary norms and decorum, and act responsibly to fulfill the expectations of the people.
The Speaker stated that the National Parliament serves as the supreme institutional expression of the people's sovereignty, democratic aspirations, and public opinion. The struggle to establish democracy and the right to vote in Bangladesh has been long and eventful; the people of this nation have repeatedly demonstrated courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness in securing their democratic rights.
He remarked that for 17 long years, the Awami League government trampled upon democracy through sham elections, injustice, oppression, persecution, and extrajudicial killings. The mass uprising of July 2024 marked the beginning of a new journey for democracy in the country. True development, he reiterated, cannot be achieved without democracy.
The Speaker highlighted that the public holds high expectations of the National Parliament. Key responsibilities of this Parliament include respecting the mandate of the people, upholding the dignity of the Constitution, establishing the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and playing an effective role in protecting the rights of the citizens. The core strength of parliamentary democracy, he noted, resides in dialogue, reasoning, mutual respect, and responsible expression of views.
Referring to the Great Liberation War of 1971, he stated that it was through this struggle that we attained an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. The history of our independence is a glorious chapter defined by self-sacrifice, courage, and patriotism—a history that forms the foundation of our national identity and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations.
He further added that the mass uprising of July–August 2024 stands as a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh. This mass uprising, driven by the participation of students and the general public, has brought to the forefront—once again—the people’s democratic aspirations, their resolve to establish their rights, and their vision for building a state free from discrimination.
The Speaker prays to Almighty Allah to grant Bangladesh the ability to advance along a path of peace, stability, justice, and prosperity, and to bestow upon the Members of Parliament the strength and wisdom required to properly fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them.
