Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqul Rahman stated that the country’s parliament had often been ineffective and symbolic under fascist control. Speaking on Thursday afternoon during a congratulatory address in the National Parliament, he said that in the 55 years since independence, the legislature had rarely functioned effectively. The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Dr. Rahman paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in 1947, 1971, 1990, and the Shapla Chattar movement, as well as those who suffered during what he described as 15 and a half years of fascist rule. He said the current parliament stands on the blood of the 2024 struggle and congratulated both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal on their appointments.

He expressed hope that the Speaker, having resigned from his party’s standing committee, would act impartially for the nation’s welfare and ensure justice for all members. Rahman also noted the presence of many young members in the new parliament and described himself as a first-time participant.