Senior parliamentarian Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, who chaired the first sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad today (Thursday), called upon the members of parliament to work together to strengthen the country’s democratic system, ensure transparency and uphold accountability in the country.

Addressing the inaugural session, Mosharraf welcomed and congratulated the newly elected members of parliament, saying the new parliament marks a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey following the national election on February 12, 2026.

He said the lawmakers have come to the parliament with the people’s mandate and bear a great responsibility to serve the nation.

“The active and responsible participation of all members will help make the renewed journey of democracy much more dynamic and prosperous,” he said.

In this connection, he put emphasis on collective efforts to meet public expectations and establish good governance.

Mosharraf, also a former Minister, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for giving him the opportunity to preside over the historic first sitting of the 13th parliament.

At the beginning of his speech, he paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War, the language movement activists, and those who sacrificed their lives in the long struggle for democracy.

He also remembered those who were killed or injured in the July mass uprising, saying their sacrifices remind the nation that safeguarding freedom requires continuous commitment.

Describing the recent national election as a ‘milestone’ for restoring democracy, Mosharraf said citizens were able to exercise their voting rights freely after many years.

He congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for forming the government for the fourth time and extended his greetings to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman.

He also congratulated Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for assuming the role of the opposition in parliament for the first time.

During his remarks, Mosharraf paid rich tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the proclaimer of independence and a key figure in establishing multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

He also remembered former three-time prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, praising her role in restoring the parliamentary system in the country and continuing the struggle for democracy despite political challenges and imprisonment.

Mosharraf said the new parliament should work towards building a humane, inclusive and accountable state by ensuring justice for alleged human rights violations, strengthening judicial independence and preserving an impartial history of the Liberation War.

Expressing optimism, he said the 13th parliament would play a constructive role in rebuilding state institutions and advancing the country through cooperation and mutual respect.

“The journey of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad begins today. Learning from the past, we will move Bangladesh forward on the path of development and progress,” he said.