Desk Report:
On Friday (March 13, 2026), the newly appointed Speaker of the Thirteenth Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the great Liberation War by laying a wreath at the Bir Bikram Savar National Memorial.
Then, the newly appointed Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, laid a wreath at the memorial.
At this time, they observed silence for a while and sought forgiveness for the departed souls of the martyrs. Then, both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker signed the visitor’s book.
At this time, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram told the media that the National Memorial is a sacred place that is the custodian and bearer of Bangladesh’s independence. I feel fortunate and inspired to be able to pay my respects here.
I remember with deep respect the great freedom fighter, martyr President Ziaur Rahman, and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of those who participated in the liberation war in 1971 and were martyred.
He said, I myself had the opportunity to participate in the great liberation war and was fortunate to fight on the battlefield under martyr President Ziaur Rahman. I was injured in the war.
I remember with respect the political workers of different parties, students, guardians, and people of various classes and professions who have been martyred in the last 17 years while protesting against the mafia government and overthrowing the dictatorial government.
Regarding the current parliament, the Speaker said, “I believe that this genuine government elected by the people will build a happy, prosperous state by implementing the goals of the Liberation War, equality, human dignity and social justice, and fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, and the parliament will be its centerpiece.”
In response to journalists’ questions, he said, “I have resigned from the party to perform my duties impartially in the National Parliament. The opposition party will get enough opportunities in the parliament. We were together in the movement to remove dictatorship. We have enough tolerance towards them. My role in running the parliament is to be neutral like an umpire in a cricket game.”
The Additional Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat, Sergeant at Arms, concerned officials and employees, and various media personnel were present at the time.
