President Shahabuddin Outlines Roadmap for Democratic and Economic Renewal

President Mohammed Shahabuddin addressed the 13th Parliament on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, the eradication of corruption, and the systematic rebuilding of state institutions. 

Acknowledging that the nation is navigating a challenging economic landscape, the President emphasized that sustainable progress is unattainable without the active political and economic empowerment of the citizenry. 

"The path ahead may be difficult, yet with genuine political will, no obstacle is insurmountable," he stated, urging a unified national effort to secure a prosperous future for the next generation.

Reflecting on the transformative events of 2024, the President described the mass uprising as a defining chapter in the country's democratic history. 

He honored those who sacrificed their lives and suffered during the movement, noting that the struggle was a collective rejection of authoritarianism and a demand for a state founded on justice and accountability. 

To address the legacy of the previous regime, the government has already established 11 reform commissions focused on sectors of critical national importance. 

The President highlighted that the current administration is prioritizing a "debt-dependent economy" transformation toward one driven by investment, with an ambitious target of reaching a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

The President addressed the deep-seated concerns regarding the integrity of state institutions, noting that public confidence in bodies like the Election Commission had eroded significantly under the previous government. 

He affirmed that the administration is taking concrete steps to ensure these institutions operate with full independence and legal compliance. 

"Our central objective is to transform a debt-dependent economy into one driven by investment," he added, while stressing that the government's electoral manifesto—built on the pillars of democracy, accountability, and good governance—remains the blueprint for national renewal.

During his address, the President underscored that the suppression of corruption and the maintenance of law and order remain the government’s top priorities. 

He pointed to the historical significance of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2004 as a foundational step for institutional integrity and signaled that similar vigilance is required today. 

In concluding his speech, President Shahabuddin called for a culture of cooperation that transcends narrow partisanship. 

"The nation must always come before party interests and the party must come before individual interests," he concluded, expressing optimism that through collective resilience, the government can successfully steer the country toward a more democratic and self-reliant path.