Liberation War is our foundation: Deputy Speaker

The great Liberation War is the foundation of Bangladesh's independence and the main pillar of national consciousness, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal has said. He stated that independent Bangladesh was established as a result of the sacrifices and struggles of the Liberation War.

He made these remarks while addressing an adjourned sitting of the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday afternoon, March 29.

The Deputy Speaker said that many have come to this parliament after enduring disappearances, death sentences and long imprisonment, which is a rare occurrence in the world.

He said the National Parliament is the mirror of the nation, where the hopes and aspirations of the people should be reflected.

"Some of us have come from the gallows, some from disappearances, and some have come to parliament as oppressed after spending long years in prison. Such a parliament is rare in the world. As the son of an ordinary farming family, I have been able to come here," he added.

Expressing his feelings in parliament, he said he feels honoured to have taken on the responsibility as Deputy Speaker and expressed gratitude to the Leader of the House, the Prime Minister and all members for electing him. He also thanked the people of his constituency, Netrokona-1.

He said the nation's history has been built through sacrifice and struggle. Bangladesh achieved independence as a result of the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Liberation War and the bravery of the freedom fighters, to whom he paid deep respect.

The Deputy Speaker remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with respect, saying he had called the nation to plunge into war by declaring independence and played a significant role in establishing multi-party democracy in the post-independence period.

He also remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she led the anti-autocracy movement and played a role in re-establishing parliamentary democracy, providing important leadership to the democratic movement.

Regarding the July 2024 movement, he said the student-mass uprising of 2024 brought down fascism and opened a new door to democracy. He also remarked that the democratic progress in the country has been made possible due to the sacrifices of the martyrs of July-August.