‘I have returned to work for the people, the country’

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member and lawmaker Mirza Abbas became emotional as he addressed the National Parliament on Thursday, nearly two decades after he last had the opportunity to speak in the House. He said he had returned “to the people, to work for the people and for Bangladesh.”

Speaking during the parliamentary session, Abbas said, “After 2006, today I have once again had the opportunity to stand in this great Parliament. I have only one thing to say "I have returned to the people, to work for the people and for Bangladesh.”

At the beginning of his speech, Abbas respectfully remembered former President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as the proclaimer of independence and a proponent of multiparty democracy, as well as former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Describing the day as an emotional and memorable one in his political career, Abbas said he had been given the opportunity to speak in the National Parliament again after nearly two decades. “As a member of Parliament, what could be a happier and prouder moment than this?” he said.

Recalling his illness, Abbas said he suffered a stroke on March 11 and had to stay in Singapore and Malaysia for an extended period for treatment. “Despite wanting to attend the parliamentary sessions regularly, I could not do so because of my physical condition,” he said.

After returning to Parliament following his treatment, Abbas expressed gratitude to Allah and thanked everyone who had prayed for him, inquired about his health and stood by him during his illness.

He also expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister and Speaker, saying they had regularly kept themselves informed about his health during his illness.

Referring to the Speaker’s visit to Singapore, Abbas said, “Honourable Speaker, you personally went to Singapore to see me. Your humane and sincere gesture toward a member of Parliament touched me deeply. This was not merely an expression of sympathy for a sick person; it was a shining example of the human side of parliamentary democracy.”

“I will never forget your love and sincerity,” he added.

After returning to Parliament, Abbas also spoke about the humanitarian dimension of politics. “Politics is not merely about differences of opinion. Politics is for the people. Parliament is not merely a place for debate; it reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

He pledged to work for the people of his constituency and the country and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and strength so that he could serve the people with greater dedication, honesty and responsibility for the remainder of his time.

Abbas also thanked his fellow lawmakers, saying their love, good wishes and prayers had given him the courage to overcome a difficult period.

Concluding his speech, he reiterated, “After 2006, today I have once again stood in this great Parliament, and I have only one thing to say "I have returned to the people, to work for the people and for Bangladesh.”

He ended his speech by praying for peace, prosperity and the welfare of Bangladesh and thanking the Speaker.