Speaker for effective JS

Leader of the House and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the 12th session of the ninth Jatya Sangsad yesterday. Photo: PMO

Urging the lawmakers to make the Jatiya Sangsad the focal point of all national activities, Speaker Abdul Hamid yesterday said democracy and democratic state system get consolidated only when parliament is effective.
“Role of the treasury bench and the opposition MPs is equally important to make parliament effective,” the Speaker said in his welcome address at the New Year session of the House that began yesterday amid boycott by lawmakers of the BNP-led opposition.
Active participation of the lawmakers in parliament proceedings can take it to the peak of success, and acceptance of this truth is the main driving force of democracy, Hamid said. There may be difference of opinion in politics but one has to give importance to others' views for the sake of national interests, he added.
“Parliament is the heart of politics. Parliament is for the people. Parliament is the focal point of all activities for meeting the people's expectations and demands,” the Speaker observed.
The speaker urged the opposition MPs to join the parliament session. He hoped the ruling alliance and opposition MPs will get rid of past failures and obstacles, and join the efforts for betterment of the people and the country.
In his brief speech, Hamid mentioned that the ninth parliament had 254 sittings in the last three years. It passed 153 bills, and people are benefiting from those.
Besides, 225 MPs in 113 parliamentary delegations participated in workshops, seminars and conferences abroad, he said.
OBITUARY MOTION
At the beginning of its session, the House made an obituary reference on the death of Awami League lawmaker Abdur Razzaq and some other eminent citizens of the country.
Participating in the condolence motion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina briefly narrated the heroic contribution of AL leader Razzaq in the Liberation War and in organising the party.
He played a significant role during the war and also later, the premier said.
Twelve MPs including Amir Hossain Amu, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Tafail Ahmed spoke on the motion.
Razzak was a truly patriotic leader. Love for the people and the country was the motto of his life, they said.
The House adopted the condolence motion. It was then adjourned for Maghrib prayers.
Razzaq died on December 24 last ending a 50-year illustrious career in politics.