News Flash
DHAKA, March 14, 2026 (BSS) - Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal has said democracy in Bangladesh will be firmly established if the Jatiya Sangsad becomes the central platform for political activities of all parties.
Barrister Kamal made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an iftar mahfil organised by the Netrokona Journalists Forum, Dhaka, at a city hotel this evening.
He said the democracy was restored in Bangladesh again through the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12. He noted that the country's democratic journey had faced repeated setbacks in the past.
Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, he said through this Bangladesh had achieved a renewed spirit of freedom, describing it as a "second independence."
He warned that if the democratic system is not properly institutionalised and made effective, the continuity of democracy in the future may again face uncertainty.
Kayser Kamal said the concept of Westminster type of democracy was first emerged in England following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Since then, countries such as Australia, Canada, India and New Zealand have successfully practiced parliamentary democracy.
He added that in countries where parliamentary democracy functions properly, democratic governance and institutions usually remain stable.
"We have witnessed autocratic and fascist tendencies in Bangladesh at different times. Now we are at a critical juncture where democracy has been re-established. If we can develop the great Jatiya Sangsad as the centre of political practice for all political parties, democracy in Bangladesh will be firmly rooted," he said.
The Deputy Speaker also stressed that sustainable development is not possible without democratic governance. When democracy prevails, he said, the rule of law is ensured, which in turn guarantees human rights and constitutional governance.
"Societies and states where rule of law, democratic norms, human rights and constitutional practices are upheld have achieved progress and development," he added.
The programme was chaired by President of the Netrakona Journalists Forum Rafiq Muhammad and moderated by its General Secretary Shawkat Ali Khan Litho and Joint Secretary Imran Hasan Majumder.
Among others, BNP Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs Abdul Bari Danny, Supreme Court lawyers Mujibur Rahman and Arifa Jesmin Nahin, Professor Nurul Haque, social worker Nazmul Hasan, Director (Administration) of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training Masud Rana, Bangladesh Television Programme Manager Md Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy Director Shamimur Rahman, businessman Jannatul Baker Khan Nandan and former student leaders Anwarul Haque Royal and Muhammad Azmol Hossain Pilot attended the event among others.
A large number of journalists also joined the iftar gathering.
