Parliament must live up to people's aspirations: Speaker

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Thursday said the people have high expectations from the current Parliament and warned that public disappointment would grow if those expectations are not fulfilled.

Speaking at an exchange of views with members of the Bangladesh Parliament Journalists Association (BPJA) at his conference room in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the Speaker said journalists serve as a bridge between Parliament and the people and have an important role in strengthening democratic institutions.

"The Parliament was established through immense sacrifice, suffering and bloodshed. People have many hopes from it. If those expectations are not met, the nation will be disappointed," he said.

The Speaker noted that the current Parliament carries a significant responsibility amid widespread public expectations. He alleged that the country had suffered considerable setbacks over the past two decades, including deterioration in administration and institutional standards, and stressed the need for people-oriented politics.

Referring to media freedom, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said journalists now enjoy greater freedom and urged them to report objectively by calling white white and black black. 

The Speaker further said the dreams and aspirations that inspired Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 had gradually been undermined over the years. He criticized the previous Awami League government's record, alleging incidents of enforced disappearances, the establishment of secret detention facilities, and economic mismanagement.

Emphasizing national interest above partisan considerations, he said both the government and opposition must work together to strengthen parliamentary democracy. While the opposition's role is to scrutinize and criticize government shortcomings, the ruling party must ensure Parliament functions effectively, he added.

TZ