President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday delivered his first address to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, sharply criticizing the former Awami League administration as a “fascist government” and outlining the policy priorities of the newly formed BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Addressing the inaugural session of the new parliament, the president said the country had entered a new democratic phase after the fall of what he described as “a decade and a half of fascist rule.”
He also accused the previous government of turning Bangladesh into a “champion in corruption,” claiming that earlier BNP administrations had taken strong steps that removed the country from that global stigma.
The president’s speech, which also paid tribute to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, set out the government’s reform agenda while calling on both ruling and opposition lawmakers to work together for national progress.
Protests in parliament
The session, however, began with protests from opposition lawmakers.
As President Shahabuddin entered the chamber, MPs from the Jamaat-e-Jihad alliance, seated in the opposition benches, rose from their seats and displayed red placards reading “Treason will not be allowed with July.”
While government MPs stood up to greet the president according to parliamentary tradition, several opposition members remained seated in protest.
During the playing of the national anthem, parliamentary officials requested members to stand.
Some complied, while a few continued sitting.
The protesting MPs later stood silently and paused their demonstration.
When the president began his speech, opposition lawmakers again created a ruckus and eventually walked out of the chamber chanting slogans.
Tribute to Ziaur Rahman, July uprising
At the outset of his address, President Shahabuddin paid tribute to Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the “proclaimer of independence” and a national hero.
He also recalled the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the three-time former prime minister and former BNP chairperson, crediting her with establishing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.
The president further honored the victims of the July–August 2024 student-public uprising, which led to the fall of the previous government.
“Students, workers, farmers, journalists and people from all walks of life united in that historic movement,” he said, adding that the sacrifices of thousands opened the path toward a new democratic Bangladesh.
According to the president, more than 1,000 people were killed and around 30,000 injured during the uprising.
Call for unity in parliament
Despite the heated start to the session, the president urged lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to work together.
“Members of parliament from both the treasury and opposition benches are accountable to the nation,” he said.
“If we work together with a common purpose, we will be able to build a secure Bangladesh for future generations.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and ruling party MPs welcomed several parts of the speech by thumping their desks.
Govt priorities and reforms
In his address, the president outlined the new government’s policy direction, emphasizing reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, accountability and good governance.
He said the government is committed to curbing corruption and improving law and order, describing them as key priorities for implementing the administration’s broader development plans.
The president also highlighted plans for institutional reforms, including measures to strengthen judicial independence, reduce case backlogs and modernize judicial services.
Several new reform bodies are expected to be formed, including an Economic Reforms Commission and a Capital Market Reforms Commission, to address structural weaknesses in the economy and financial sector.
He also said steps would be taken to eliminate political interference in the banking sector and address the problem of non-performing loans.
Economic challenges and outlook
Acknowledging that the government inherited a fragile economic situation, the president said global conflicts, inflation and low revenue collection continue to pose significant challenges.
However, he noted that some economic indicators have begun to improve.
According to official estimates cited in the speech, GDP growth in FY2024-25 stood at 3.49%, while per capita income reached $2,769.
Remittance inflows rose to $30.3 billion, and foreign exchange reserves stood at $34.78 billion as of February 2026.
The government expects economic conditions to strengthen further in the coming fiscal year, he added.
Foreign policy and national security
The president also highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities, saying the government would focus on economic diplomacy, export diversification and migration opportunities.
He reaffirmed that national sovereignty, security and the welfare of citizens would remain the country’s foremost priorities.
“A zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, extremism and militancy will be upheld,” he said.
Closing message
Concluding his address, President Shahabuddin urged political parties to work with sincerity and consensus for the country’s development.
“If both the ruling and opposition parties work together with genuine political will, the nation will be able to achieve its desired goals,” he said.
The inaugural session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram.
