President M Abdul Hamid said the Bangalee nation needs to forge unwavering unity to build exploitation free “Sonar Bangla” by uprooting terrorism, militancy, drug abuse and corruption from the society.
“I urge upon all, irrespective of political affiliations, religion, caste, and creed to accelerate the ongoing democratic process and socio-economic development of the country,” the President said while addressing the first session of the 11th Parliament with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
Leader of the House Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition’s Deputy Leader GM Quader and lawmakers of both treasury and opposition benches were also present during the President’s speech.
The head of the state called upon the treasury bench and opposition to jointly play a constructive and effective role in parliament to establish an exploitation-free ‘Sonar Bangla’ dreamed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Terming the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) as the centre-point of people’s hopes and aspirations, he said no nation can ever achieve peace and happiness without consensus about national issues.
Abdul Hamid categorically called for a concerted effort from all political parties and people to reach a consensus on the basic issues of the country, including regular practice of democracy, rules of law and unending socio-economic development.
“The treasury bench and opposition will have to play constructive role to ensure transparency, accountability, tolerance, human rights and rule of law and to materialize the nation’s dream and aspiration,” he added.
In his 187-page speech, the President highlighted Sheikh Hasina government’s activities and successes in different areas, including economy, trade and commerce, agriculture, power, foreign relations, tourism, education, health, good governance, women and children development, sports and youth development, rural development, expatriates’ welfare, science and technology, development of foreign relations, information and communication technology (ICT) and public administration.
Referring to formation of new government, the President said, “A fresh spirit has been infused in all spheres of national life after the assumption of office by the newly formed government.”
