Newly elected Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has called upon the opposition to join the budget session.
She made the call in Speaker’s office after she was sworn into office on being elected unopposed on Tuesday.
“The next session is very important. To play a role in the socio-economic development of the country, I hope they will join in the budget session.”
“I always welcome the opposition… to come and play a positive role.”
The BNP has been staying away from Parliament for months.
“I am happy and honoured,” she told reporters in an immediate reaction.
“This is an achievement for all women. This is a victory for them,” she commented on her election to such important post.
“I am grateful to everyone for giving me the opportunity to assume the constitutional office of Speaker as a woman.”
She thought her being elected as the first woman Speaker will contribute greatly to women empowerment in Bangladesh.
“It has set a unique example in the world.”
Only the participation of ruling and opposition parties in Parliament can make an effective Parliament, she said.
Regarding women’s empowerment, Chaudhury highlighted women holding top offices in the country including that of the Prime Minister.
President Abdul Hamid, her predecessor, swore her in at 8:55pm before members of parliament, Cabinet members, and officials.
Clad in a sky-blue Jamdani sari, Chaudhury went to her new office at 9:10pm where she addressed media. She was welcomed to the office by Chief Whip Abdus Shahid and Parliament Secretary Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman.
Source: Bd news24
