People put confidence in govt again, says PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured that the opposition will be able to make enough criticisms of the government as no obstacle will be created to this end, reports UNB.

She said criticism is important in a democratic process.

"I can at least give assurance that our opposition parties will be able to make enough criticisms. We won't create any obstacle (criticism of the government) in this regard. We neither did it in the past nor will in the future," she said on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister gave the assurance taking floor in the first sitting of the opening session of the 11th Parliament to greet newly-elected Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah.

She said the people of the country had put the trust and confidence in the government again as the previous parliament was run efficiently.

The Prime Minister congratulated Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Fazle Rabbi Miah for being elected as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker respectively.

"As the leader of the House it's my (PM) responsibility to oversee the rights of all the MPs, while you, as the Speaker, will make sure that the treasury and opposition bench MPs can avail of equal opportunities in Parliament," she said pointing at the Speaker.

"We'll extend all sorts of cooperation to you in this regard," the Prime Minister said.

She said her government has been able to maintain the continuation of a democratic process overcoming many obstacles.

The people of the country, including women and young voters, participated spontaneously in the election this time, she said adding," This parliament was formed through a successful election."

Saying that democracy takes the country towards prosperity, the Prime Minister said it has been proved right in the case of Bangladesh.

"Since people sent us to parliament as their representatives, casting votes for us....so, we'll have to keep in mind always the overall development of the people and protection of their interest so that a peaceful situation prevails in the country," she added.

Hasina said her government's goal is to build Bangladesh as militancy- drug-corruption-free developed and prosperous country as well as to ensure peace and security of the country's people.

The Prime Minister congratulated Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Fazle Rabbi Miah on being elected as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker respectively.

Earlier, Deputy Leader of the Opposition GM Quader sought assistance of the newly-elected Speaker for playing their effective role in the House.

"We want parliament to be a lively one and it will have to play an effective role to make that happen. People also expect it," he said taking floor to greet the newly elected Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.