Work jointly to establish exploitation-free ‘Sonar Bangla’: President

President M Abdul Hamid today 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.”

He hoped that the multidimensional initiatives undertaken by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in various areas will be further strengthened and expedited in days to come.

“Ours is a journey towards peace, democracy, development and prosperity . . . And we have to keep it up,” President Hamid mentioned.

He said the nation will celebrate centenary birthday of the father of the nation in 2020 and the golden jubilee of the Independence in 2021 for being a middle income country.

“Nevertheless, our dream is not limited here . . . We need to look beyond 2021 and the nation expects that we will appear to the international arena as a developed and prosperous country by 2041 showing our dignity,” he added.