Dr Shafiq wants JS to voice the oppressed

 
Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for the National Parliament to become a meeting place for the hopes and aspirations of the oppressed and ordinary people of Bangladesh. 

He said a stronger and more effective Parliament would restore public trust and encourage people to take part in building the country.

He made the remarks while delivering his closing speech during the second session of the National Parliament on Wednesday. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal.

Dr. Shafiqur described the current Parliament as an exceptional one that represents the hopes of the country's oppressed and common people. He said the role of the Speaker as the guardian of Parliament should be further strengthened and called for the strict enforcement of parliamentary rules and procedures.

The opposition leader expressed dissatisfaction over the way the national budget and important bills are being passed.

He said a recently approved bill of public importance was passed without enough discussion, and opposition members did not get sufficient opportunity to express their views. He warned that if meaningful participation of the opposition is not ensured in the future, Parliament would only waste the people's time and money.

Expressing deep sorrow over the recent floods, landslides and drowning deaths, Dr. Shafiqur called for special financial assistance for affected families. He also urged the Finance Minister to take special rehabilitation measures for the Chittagong region, which he said suffered the greatest damage.

He also welcomed the government's decision to establish the July Memorial Museum to preserve the memory of the July Revolution and the student-public mass uprising, thanking the Prime Minister for the initiative.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Shafiqur demanded a special incentive or bonus equal to one month's basic salary for officers and employees of the Parliament Secretariat in recognition of their contribution, in line with the regular practice.