Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today said the foremost responsibility of the current Jatiya Sangsad (JS) is to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of those who were martyred and injured in the July Mass Uprising.
“Our foremost responsibility as the national parliament and the present government is to ensure justice for those who sacrificed their lives and those who lost their limbs in July. The principal responsibility of this parliament is to fulfil the dreams for which the July martyrs laid down their lives and the July fighters were injured,” he said.
The Acting President made the remarks while addressing, as the chief guest, a prize-giving ceremony and discussion held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this afternoon, marking the July Mass Uprising Day.
He said, “Today is our day of victory. With profound respect, I remember those who shed their blood and sacrificed their lives to restore democracy and transform Bangladesh into a habitable homeland for its people.”
He prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the democratic struggle.
He said the July Mass Uprising was not an event of one or two days but the result of an untiring struggle spanning 16 years.
He said leaders and activists of political parties risked their lives in the struggle to oust authoritarian rule from the country. “It is a glorious history, one that the people of Bangladesh will take pride in for generations to come,” he added.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said, “Let us not lose July. Let us embrace July. Let us realize the consciousness and aspirations of the people. This should be our resolve today.”
“Let us pledge to transform the sacrifices of July into an inspiration for our national life. Let us institutionally strengthen democracy. Let us uphold the dignity and effectiveness of the national parliament and leave behind for future generations a Bangladesh where the interests of the people, not the pursuit of power, will be the highest standard of state governance,” he added.
Describing the present parliament as the outcome of the July Mass Uprising, he said, “The parliament must play an effective role in institutionally strengthening democracy, establishing the rule of law, and fulfilling the aspirations of the people in line with their expectations.”
“It bears significant responsibilities in building a new Bangladesh,” he noted.
“Women members of parliament include highly educated representatives from various professions, including doctors, engineers, and barristers,” he said, expressing optimism.
Likewise, the lawmakers have been elected through a free and fair election and are genuine representatives of the people, he said.
He said, “The Great Liberation War in 1971 was a struggle to establish democracy, and the July Mass Uprising was also waged to establish democracy.”
He expressed hope that all would be able to discharge the responsibility of running the country collectively with efficiency.
He also called upon all democratic forces to build a united resistance against fascism, extremism, and radicalism.
Concluding his speech, he prayed to Almighty Allah for peace, prosperity, and a strong democratic foundation for Bangladesh and sought divine guidance to uphold the dignity of the parliament and discharge responsibilities for the welfare of the people.
Acting Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal chaired the programme.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke at the event as special guests.
Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Barrister Md. Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, the Acting President handed over crests to the winners of the competition.
