JS to be transformed into dignified, democratic institution: Deputy speaker

Newly-elected Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Sunday expressed his high optimism that the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) would be transformed into a dignified, effective and truly democratic institution through neutrality, cooperation of its members and adherence to parliamentary traditions.

Delivering his introductory speech at the house after assuming office at the national parliament, he expressed deep gratitude to all its members for electing him as deputy speaker and placing their confidence in him.

"I feel deeply honoured to take responsibility as the deputy speaker of this great parliament. I express my sincere gratitude to the honourable prime minister, the Leader of the House and all members of parliament for the trust and respect they have shown in electing me," he said.

He also expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Kolmakanda-Durgapur constituency (Netrakona-1) for their support that enabled him to become a member of parliament.

Recalling the nation's history of sacrifice and struggle, the deputy speaker paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the valiant freedom fighters whose sacrifices led to the independence of Bangladesh.

He remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with profound respect, noting his role in proclaiming independence, establishing multi-party democracy and rebuilding the state after independence.

Kayser also paid rich tribute to former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her leadership in the anti-autocracy movement and for restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991, describing her as a prominent democratic leader honoured with the title "Mother of Democracy.”

Highlighting the significance of the 2024 student-led mass uprising, he said the historic movement paved the way for the restoration of democracy by bringing down fascism.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the July-August uprising, including Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram and Mir Mugdha, and expressed sympathy for those who were injured and are living with disabilities due to the movement.

Quoting the first Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), he said leadership requires accountability and collective support, urging lawmakers to guide and correct him whenever necessary so that he can perform his duties properly.

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"The Jatiya Sangsad is the centre of our democratic structure where the sovereign power of the people is reflected through their elected representatives," he said, adding that parliament is not only a law-making body but also a place to ensure government accountability.

He stressed that democracy stands on the pillars of rule of law, human rights and effective constitutional institutions, citing constitutional thinker AV Dicey's theory that all persons, regardless of rank or status, are subject to the ordinary law of the land.

The deputy speaker said both government and opposition play equally important roles in a parliamentary democracy.

"The opposition is not an adversary of the government; rather it is an essential part of democracy. A strong opposition makes parliamentary democracy more effective and credible," he said, calling for unity on national issues.

Referring to British political thinker Edmund Burke, he noted that parliament represents the collective interest of the nation rather than conflicting individual interests.

Kayser assured all lawmakers that he would perform his duties with neutrality and fairness and would protect the rights, dignity and opportunities of every member of parliament (MP).

"As deputy speaker, my first and foremost responsibility is to maintain neutrality. I have already resigned from my government and party positions to uphold impartiality," he said.

He added that parliamentary proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the Constitution, Rules of Procedure and long-established parliamentary traditions.

Referring to his academic experience in the United Kingdom (UK), he expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully strengthen its Westminster-style parliamentary democracy through mutual respect and cooperation among lawmakers.

The deputy speaker said maintaining the dignity of parliament is a collective responsibility and differences of opinion must be expressed with decency, logic and mutual respect.

He described the current parliament as a historic one, as many members have come after enduring imprisonment, exile, repression and political persecution, making it a rare example in world parliamentary history.

Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, Kayser said he felt fortunate to serve the nation as a representative of a middle-class farming family and called for collective efforts to establish a just and welfare-oriented state.

In his concluding remarks, he expressed hope that with the cooperation of all members, the Jatiya Sangsad would become a more dignified, effective and democratic institution.

“May Almighty Allah guide us all on the path of truth and justice, Bangladesh Zindabad,” Kayser said.