Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal has described Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad as a rare democratic institution, noting that some of its members have arrived after facing death sentences, enforced disappearances, and prolonged imprisonment.
"People sit in Parliament as if the hopes and aspirations of democracy are reflected here. Some have come from the gallows, some from disappearances, some after spending long years in prison. Such a Parliament is rare in the world," he said during the resumed session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, March 29.
Kamal, presiding over the sitting at 3 pm following a 15-day adjournment, also reflected on his own journey. "I have been able to come here as the son of an ordinary farmer's family," he said, expressing gratitude to fellow MPs, the Prime Minister, and the constituents of Netrakona-1 (Kalmakanda-Durgapur) for their trust.
The Deputy Speaker paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, calling it the foundation of independent Bangladesh.
He also honoured former President Ziaur Rahman for establishing multi-party democracy and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom he described as having earned the title "Mother of Democracy" for leading movements against authoritarian rule.
Turning to recent history, Kamal hailed the July 2024 student-people's uprising as a turning point that "opened the door to democracy by bringing down fascism". He paid tribute to martyrs, including Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram and Mir Mughda, and expressed condolences to those living with life-altering injuries from the movement.
"The July Mass Uprising reminds us that the power of the people is the true foundation of democracy," he said.
The first session of the 13th Parliament, which began on March 12, is scheduled to continue until 30 April, with daily sittings at 3 pm excluding government holidays.