Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opened the maiden session of the 13th Parliament on Thursday with a resolute call for cooperation across party lines, urging both the public and opposition lawmakers to join in the mission to build a self-reliant, prosperous, and democratic nation.

During his welcome address, the Prime Minister outlined a vision focused on individual and national empowerment. “Our political goal is to make every family self-reliant.

Through making every family self-reliant, the BNP wants to establish a self-reliant, prosperous, secure and democratic Bangladesh,” he stated.

Addressing the lawmakers directly, the Prime Minister emphasized that while political platforms and ideologies may differ, there is a unified national interest that transcends partisanship.

“There can be no disagreement among us when it comes to establishing an independent, sovereign, secure and self-reliant Bangladesh free from subservience and fascism. There is no conflict on that,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to contrast his administration’s goals with the record of the previous government, alleging that the ousted Awami League administration had intentionally weakened the legislature.

He declared, “We want to transform this great National Parliament into the central forum for reasoned discussion, debate and the resolution of national problems.”

Tarique Rahman, who serves as both the leader of the BNP and the Leader of the House, underscored his commitment to representing all citizens regardless of their background.

“Although I represent my party in the National Parliament, as Prime Minister I represent the country in this Parliament. Regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity, I represent the people of the country. My politics is the politics of protecting the interests of the country and its people,” he added.

The maiden session, which began at 11:05 am following the recitation of the Holy Quran, marks the start of a five-year parliamentary term. Public anticipation remains high as this session introduces a genuine parliamentary opposition for the first time in 12 years.

As part of the day's procedural requirements, the Prime Minister nominated veteran parliamentarian Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain to temporarily preside over the House to oversee the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

This move sets the stage for the legislative work ahead, with the government signaling a shift toward a more transparent and debate-oriented parliamentary culture.