Make JS more effective for greater interest of nation

"Parliament is the nucleus of a democratic state," he said yesterday, thanking the lawmakers for enacting legislation for governance, ensuring justice and rule of law, and improving socioeconomic status of the people.

While the president started delivering his speech around 6:15 pm with a request to work together, main opposition Awami League members were absent from the House.

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The president said that after achieving independence and democracy "now our job is to attain a greater prosperity. Irrespective of party affiliation and opinion, we should work together according a high priority to national interest."

He said humanity and human rights should be given the highest place and every step should be taken for the welfare of the people and for the benefit of the humanity.

"Let patriotism and humanity be ingrained deep in our heart, we should be equipped with moral strength," he said, adding that the entity of a nation suffers largely because of degeneration of moral values.

President Iajuddin said:"We must be strong morally to build an outstanding, well-established nation. Time has come to uphold national interest to achieve total prosperity rising above any personal and party interest."

He appealed to all citizens to rise above differences of opinion and participate in nation building activities with the resolve to make Bangladesh a prosperous country free from poverty and hunger.

In his 26-page written speech, the president highlighted the success stories of the coalition government and government's future plan to revamp the economy and for the welfare of the people.

Diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and dignitaries were present in the VIP gallery to listen to the president.

Speaking on law and order situation, he said despite extreme adverse situation in national and international level, the government has given special attention to improving the situation and curbing crime.

He mentioned the enactment of various laws and tribunals to arrest and punish the criminals by holding speedy trials. He said manpower of police force and strength of BDR and Ansar has been increased to enhance the effectiveness of the law enforcers.

On international affairs, he said Bangladesh had consolidated its position and image against the backdrop of globalisation.

It has been possible, he added, through the protection of her political, economic and commercial interests, expansion of magnitude and scope of relations with the neighbouring countries by playing positive role in various international issues.

Iajuddin said the government has given emphasis on national security, regional stability, economic development and increasing affiliation with international community.

He said commitment of the government to poverty alleviation, eradication of corruption and crime, and establishment of good governance needs to be fulfilled.

"The call of the day is to develop a modern and educated nation. The expansion of technical education by necessary reforms along with institutional education is also needed."

'Educational institutions must be developed as incubators and sanctuary for a true learning process,' the president said adding that in this age of information technology necessary infrastructure must be built for using the facilities for free flow of information and communication and efficient manpower should be built to this end.

He said no nation could sustain in this competitive world if it failed to enrich itself with knowledge and attain skills for utilising the benefits of globalisation.

Iajuddin pointed out that achievement of the government faded away due to negative attitude and adverse comments of some quarters. "Personal frustrations and failures dominate the expressions while baseless and motivated propaganda are unleashed to tarnish the image of the country."

He said the debt of patriotism elevates a person or a nation to a greater height. "We should rise above personal and party interest and give priority to national interest to help the nation attain a prestigious place in the comity of nations."