News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, March 29, 2026 (BSS) - Newly-elected Deputy Speaker Barrister
Kayser Kamal today 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 today 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, Bir Uttam, with profound
respect, noting his role in proclaiming independence, establishing multi-
party democracy and rebuilding the state after independence.
Kayser Kamal 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.
"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 Kamal 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 Kamal 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," Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal said.
