‘Unite irrespective of opinion to realise Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla’
President Abdul Hamid today told parliament that political parties need to develop a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.
He also said in order to implement Bangabandhu's vision of "Sonar Bangla", unity among all -- irrespective of religion and background -- is required.
"Unity must be built against communalism, undemocratic elements and violence. Political parties need to develop a culture of tolerance and mutual respect," the chief of the state said while delivering his speech in Jatiya Sangsad.
Abdul Hamid delivered the speech on the occasion of the special discussion in parliament to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence.
Earlier at around 3:00pm, the House went into session with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
The president in his written speech, approved by the Cabinet on Monday, highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her bold and indomitable attitude, wisdom, far sight, success in various sectors, successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and making Bangladesh a role model in the world in terms of development
The president said, "Let us forget the differences stemming from parties and opinions during the golden jubilee of independence, pay off the blood debt of millions of martyrs by accelerating the democratic journey of the nation and socio-economic development of the country irrespective of religion-caste-tribe."
Pointing to good governance, Abdul Hamid said political leaders, civil society and stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, must work together to establish good governance in the country.
"All-out efforts are going on to establish good governance in the country. The Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and the Information Commission are actively discharging their responsibilities (in this regard)," he noted.
Amid claps and thumping of desks by lawmakers, the president said rule of law has been established by speedily executing verdicts in Bangabandhu murder war crimes and other sensational cases.
"The government's 'zero tolerance' policy to curb corruption, drugs, militancy, terrorism, extremism and communalism has brought relief to the country, which is being lauded worldwide."
Pointing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the president said the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily hampered our development and progress, but couldn't stop it.
"Due to timely and far-sighted steps taken by the government, coronavirus infection and mortality rate in Bangladesh is relatively low compared to many developed countries," said the president.
Saying that we as a nation are passing through a historic moment, Abdul Hamid said, "We have reached the golden gate of the golden jubilee of independence by climbing the steps of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."
Abdul Hamid also added: "As a gift on Victory Day in December 2022, people will be able to board the first metro rail in the country. Electricity has been provided to every house in Bangladesh."
He also said, the country has become a role model in the world today in terms of development due to the strong leadership of the worthy daughter of Father of the Nation -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"We have been able to achieve this due to the wise, far-sighted and indomitable leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. I sincerely congratulate and thank her for this."
The president added: "Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made tremendous progress in the socio-economic field. Bangladesh is now termed among 'emerging eleven' for future development."
"Today, Bangladesh is the 41st largest economy in the world," he added.
Abdul Hamid said, Bangladesh has achieved unprecedented success in various indicators of economic and social development and in some indicators Bangladesh is ahead of the neighbouring countries.
"When the country became independent, our average life expectancy was 47, now it has risen to over 72 years."
He also said, as a result of the strong leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the poverty rate has come down from 40 percent in 2005 to 20.5 percent in 2019.
He said, under the strong and far-sighted leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is moving towards rapid development.
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