"Uncertainty is increasing in the global economy due to geopolitical instability. In this regard, if the global economic crisis occurs, it will also affect us," he said.
He was addressing the newly-elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in the opening session of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that went into its maiden session on the day, reports UNB.
A jubilant Sheikh Hasina, who became prime minister of Bangladesh for the fifth term, was present at the House but did not take the floor. Under her leadership, the Awami League secured its fourth consecutive victory in national elections since 2008.
At the beginning of the sitting, the speaker and the deputy speaker of the House were elected and were sworn-in by the President.
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Shamsul Haque Tuku are continuing in their posts as speaker and deputy Leader of the House as the AL parliamentary party in a meeting already nominated them for this posts.
First Lady Rebeka Sultana and secretaries to the President were present in the President's box of the parliament.
Earlier, he convened the first parliament session of 2024 exercising the power bestowed upon him under the Article 72 (1) of the Constitution.
The President's speech was approved in the cabinet.
The current parliament was formed through the national election held on January 7.
He underlined the necessity to make the required preparations for the upcoming global crisis.
He said the production system of the agricultural sector must be sustained. He put emphasis on the production of high-value crops.
The President also called for use of advanced agricultural technology to boost production.
He also said agricultural storage and agro processing industries should be developed.
"It is necessary to sign and implement bilateral and regional trade and investment agreements so that Bangladeshi products can have access to duty-free benefits in the export market," he said.
He also pointed out strengthening of deep-sea gas and oil exploration activities in order to ensure energy security.
"New labour markets should be explored so that skilled labour can be exported in addition to creating skilled human resources," President Shahabuddin said.
Concerning the election, he said a group tried to obstruct the peaceful course of democracy by creating violence and conflict. Their anti-democratic and violent activities temporarily left people in a state of anxiety, but the spirit of democracy did not deter voters from voting.
"All the measures adopted by the government and the Election Commission have been beneficial due to the spontaneity and active participation of the mass people," he said .
He also said the parties abstaining from election participation carried out their political programmes without any hindrance.
He expressed his hope that the political parties of the country would shun violence and anarchy and carry out constructive programmes in non-violent ways for the sake of constitutional rights and the welfare of the people and democracy.
"It is expected that the government will also play an appropriate role in this regard," he said.
Out of 299 seats up for vote, AL won 223, JP 11, Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), and Bangladesh Kalyan Party one each, and independent candidates 62 seats. As many as 58 independent candidates belong to the ruling party.
An FE Report adds: The 12th parliament sees the highest number of independent lawmakers in the country's history.
The January 7th general elections, boycotted by the main political opposition BNP and 15 other parties, saw the election of 62 independent lawmakers. Of them, 58 are affiliated with the ruling Awami League.
Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the Jatiya Party Ghulam Muhammed Quader (popularly known as GM Quader), along with Awami League lawmakers Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Dr Dipu Moni, took to the floor to congratulate Speaker Chaudhury on her fourth term.
GM Quader requested the speaker to provide sufficient time for opposition members to point out the shortcomings of the government. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the seating arrangements, feeling they did not prioritise the opposition.
After the president's address, the session was adjourned until February 4.
Earlier on the day, the Business Advisory Committee of the new parliament, which determines the businesses of parliament, was formed with the new speaker as its head.
In the 12th parliament, the ruling Awami League secured the most seats (223) out of the 299 contested, with the Jatiya Party winning 11 and three other parties each taking one.
A total of 62 independent candidates emerged victorious, the highest in the country's history. Workers Party and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) candidates won using the AL's electoral symbol as the party did not field its own in those constituencies.
This parliament, with representatives from only five out of 44 registered parties, sees a significant decrease compared to past legislatures.
In 2018, nine parties were present, while eight were seated after the 2008 and 2001 elections. Historically, the number of parties represented has ranged from six in 1996 to 12 in 1991.
Meanwhile, Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, congratulated Dr Shirin Sharmin on her re-election.
In his message, he highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and expressed China's desire to further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures "to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of cooperation to a new height".
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