President Md. Shahabuddin, in his address to the first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament on Thursday, described the July–August 2024 student and public uprising as a landmark in the nation’s democratic history. He said the movement, which began as a quota reform protest, evolved into an anti-fascist struggle that led to the fall of the then fascist government on August 5, 2024. The president noted that a new democratic Bangladesh emerged through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs.

In his speech, President Shahabuddin congratulated all political parties and officials involved in organizing what he called a peaceful, free, fair, and neutral election. He stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, led by Chairman Tarique Rahman, won more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats. He extended congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the newly formed government, as well as to all elected members of parliament.

The president also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, former President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for their roles in establishing democracy in Bangladesh.