President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu delivered his constitutionally mandated address at the opening of the 13th National Parliament session on Thursday, where he strongly criticized the former Sheikh Hasina government. In his 16-page speech, he described the previous administration as fascist and accused it of corruption, killings, and enforced disappearances. He also recounted the July 2024 mass uprising that he said ended Hasina’s rule and marked Bangladesh’s liberation from fascism. The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

During his address, the president honored the country’s martyrs, including former President Ziaur Rahman, whom he called the proclaimer of independence, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her role in establishing parliamentary democracy. Government members, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, applauded his remarks, while opposition lawmakers protested, labeling him an accomplice of the former regime and briefly walking out before returning.

The president also discussed the interim government’s initiatives following the 2024 uprising, the current administration’s welfare programs, and economic challenges such as inflation and foreign currency reserves. He expressed hope for progress in agriculture and the economy despite global instability.