Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has welcomed criticism of the government from the opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad saying that it is crucial in democracy.
“In the trend of democracy, criticism is very important. So I can assure those who are in opposition in parliament can make criticism of the government... We will not create any barrier to this end,” she said on Wednesday, reports BSS.
The prime minister made the remarks while congratulating newly elected Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah of 11th parliament.
“We didn’t create any obstructions to the criticism of the government in the past and we will not create any barrier also in future,” she said.
Hasina said it is her responsibility to look into the rights of all members of parliament.
She requested the speaker to see that the treasury and opposition members get equal scope in parliament. “I’m assuring you that we will extend full cooperation.”
The Leader of the House said democracy takes a country towards the path of development and it is proven truth in Bangladesh.
Hasina said the people of the country including mothers, sisters and young voters spontaneously took part in the 11th general election. “This parliament has been established through a successful election and I thank and express gratitude to all for it.”
She also vowed to protect the interest of the people and maintain a peaceful environment in the country, saying that the parliament members will have to perform their responsibilities keeping this in mind.
“We are public representatives as we were elected through their vote. So we will have to pay attention so that Bangladesh is established as a developed and prosperous country free from militancy, narcotics and corruption and the peace and security of the people are ensured,” she said.
The premier said Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country due to its tremendous socio-economic uplift over the last 10 years. “Maintaining this trend, we will build a hunger-and-poverty-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu Insha Allah.”
She said the Awami League government has been able to keep up the continuity of democracy by crossing many hurdles.
“We were elected again in parliament and we must take Bangladesh forward by fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people — it’s our aim,” she said.
Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, extended heartfelt congratulations to Shirin Sharmin on her re-election as the speaker.
At the outset of her speech, the prime minister paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the four national leaders as well as the three million Liberation War martyrs and two lakh mothers and sisters who made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of independence.