Dhaka, Mar 12 (V7N) – Parliament Leader and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the journey of democracy in Bangladesh has officially begun again during the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Thursday (March 12).

Addressing the session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government aims to make Parliament a center for debate, discussion, and solving national problems. He emphasized that the BNP-led government will strive to make every citizen self-reliant.

Paying tribute to Bangladesh’s political history, he recalled that national leader Begum Khaleda Zia fought for democracy until the last day of her life, refusing to compromise with dictatorship or fascism. He also honored former President Ziaur Rahman for his contributions.

Since the Speaker and Deputy Speaker had not yet been elected, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain as the acting President for the session. Following the announcement of the Speaker, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher expressed full support on behalf of the opposition.

It is expected that under the chairmanship of Speaker Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, the Parliament will proceed to elect the official Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

This session marks a key moment in Bangladesh’s democratic journey, reaffirming parliamentary governance after the 13th national elections.

END/SMA/AJ