Build culture of tolerance

President Abdul Hamid yesterday stressed the need for building a culture of tolerance and mutual respect among the political parties.

He said unity among all, irrespective of religion, caste, and creed, is required to implement Bangabandhu's promise to build "Sonar Bangla".

"Unity must be built against communalism, undemocratic practices and violence. Political parties need to build a culture of tolerance and mutual respect," the head of the state said while delivering his speech at the Jatiya Sangsad.

Hamid addressed the House on the occasion of the special discussion in parliament to mark the Golden Jubilee of Independence.

The day's sitting began around 3:05pm, with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

The president in his written speech, approved by the Cabinet on Monday, highly lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her strong and indomitable leadership, successes in various sectors, successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and making Bangladesh a role model in the world in terms of development.

"Let us forget the differences among parties and opinions in the Golden Jubilee of Independence and pay the debt we owe to the millions of martyrs by accelerating the democratic journey and socio-economic development of the country," the president said.

Talking about good governance, Hamid said political leaders, civil society members and stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, must work together to establish good governance in the country.

"All-out efforts are going on to establish good governance in the country. The Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and the Information Commission are actively discharging their responsibilities [in this regard]."

He said the rule of law has been established by speedily disposing of verdicts in the Bangabandhu murder case, war crimes and other sensational cases, including those for crimes against humanity.

"The government's 'zero tolerance' policy to curb corruption, drugs, militancy, terrorism and extremism and communalism has brought relief to the country, which is being lauded worldwide," the president said.

Pointing to the pandemic, Hamid said it has temporarily hampered the country's development and progress, but couldn't stop it.

"Due to timely and far-sighted steps taken by the government, coronavirus infection and mortality rates in Bangladesh are relatively low compared to many developed countries."

Hamid said under the able leadership of the prime minister, Bangladesh has made tremendous progress in socio-economic conditions. Bangladesh is now one of the 11 countries in the world which are termed "emerging eleven" for future development.

"Today, Bangladesh is the 41st largest economy in the world."

The president said the poverty rate has come down to 20.5 percent in 2019 from 40 percent in 2005 as a result of the strong leadership of the PM.

He said under the strong and far-sighted leadership of the prime minister, Bangladesh is moving towards rapid development.