DHAKA, Jan 28, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the independent members of the parliament (MPs) to work for welfare of the country and its people and making parliament effective.

"Make the parliament effective. You can criticize the government. We don't have any objection, but you have to keep in mind that you would have to work for welfare of the country and its people," she told a meeting with the independent lawmakers at her official Ganabhaban residence here this evening.

Sixty two independent MPs, out of 300, were elected in the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024.

The 12th parliament is set to go into its maiden session on Tuesday next (January 30).

Sheikh Hasina, also President of the Awami League, asked the independent lawmakers to play a role for taking democracy forward.

Congratulating the independent MPs for winning the election, she suggested to stay alert about any sorts of violence and warned tougher action to this end.

"Conflict within the party would be a suicidal for us.... If there is any internal conflict among you, it will have to be resolved. You will have to work together with all," she continued.

About the Annual Development Programme (ADP), Sheikh Hasina asked the MPs to consider the return or benefit of a project before taking the scheme.

"Before taking any project, you have to consider what would be the return of the project or how much the people and the country would be benefited," she said, adding that corruption won't be tolerated.

The premier said her government has controlled corruption and that's why it has successfully implemented mega projects like Padma Bridge. "I take the projects which would be meaningful for the people," she said.

Talking about the recent election, she said hadn't Awami League won the election the development in the country's different indexes would have affected.

Pointing at BNP and some foreign quarters, she said they thought the election won't be credible. Their target was making the election questionable and impose sanctions if the election wouldn't have credible. "I opened the election to all to face their ill-plots," she said.

Sheikh Hasina called upon the newly elected MPs to implement the promises they made before the people during the election.

She also asked them to be vigilant on those who are going to start violence again to thwart the election.

The AL chief suggested the first-time MPs know history of Bangladesh and read the constitution, the rules of procedure of Parliament and use the parliament library.