President urges unity to build self-reliant Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged all political parties to work together with a shared purpose to ensure a safe, prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the Head of State emphasised that both treasury and opposition MPs are accountable to the nation for its progress and development.

“If we act in unison with a common purpose, we can build a secure Bangladesh for our children and generations to come,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of political and economic empowerment, the President stressed that sustainable development is achievable only through the effective practice of democratic rights in governance.

He praised the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for taking decisive steps to strengthen democracy despite inheriting a fragile economy.

Acknowledging the formidable challenges ahead - ranging from poverty reduction and anti-corruption efforts to maintaining law and order - Shahabuddin said that with genuine political will, obstacles can be overcome.

“Through consensus between ruling and opposition parties, the nation can achieve its goals rapidly,” he added.

The President hailed the peaceful, free and fair election that brought the current parliament into session, noting the role of citizens and institutions, including the Election Commission, law enforcement, field administration and civil servants, in ensuring a credible process.

Paying tribute to national heroes, Shahabuddin remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and all martyrs of the country’s independence struggle.

He also recognised the sacrifices of those who participated in the mass uprisings of July and August 2024, which toppled the previous fascist government, resulting in over a thousand deaths, tens of thousands injured, and hundreds permanently disabled.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rule of law, pledging reforms to strengthen judicial independence, reduce case backlogs, curb harassment, modernise services and establish a Judicial Commission.

“Zero tolerance will be maintained against terrorism, extremism and militancy, and a national consensus will be built to eliminate these threats through legal, social and preventive measures,” he said.

Shahabuddin outlined key priorities, including safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, independence and security, alongside ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

He highlighted plans to boost economic growth, strengthen trade and migration diplomacy, diversify exports, and protect customs and trade benefits.

Education and social development were also emphasised. The President praised Begum Khaleda Zia’s initiatives on free education for girls and noted that the current government plans to expand free education up to the postgraduate level, alongside continuing stipend programmes.

Turning to the economy, Shahabuddin observed that despite global uncertainty, Bangladesh’s macroeconomic indicators showed stability in FY 2024-25. GDP grew by 3.49 per cent, per capita income reached USD 2,769, exports rose to USD 48.30 billion, and remittance inflows increased by 26.83 per cent to USD 30.329 billion. Foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 34.78 billion as of 19 February 2026, with the exchange rate at Tk122.30 per USD. Inflation has declined from 9.94 per cent in January 2025 to 8.58 per cent in January 2026, and the downward trend is expected to continue.

The President announced plans for comprehensive reforms in the banking and capital markets. An Economic Reforms Commission will oversee governance, inflation control, interest rate rationalization and public confidence restoration. Political interference in banks will be addressed, non-performing loans scrutinised, and institutional weaknesses resolved. A Capital Market Reforms Commission and a special investigation commission will examine irregularities in the capital market over the past 15 years.

Concluding his address, Shahabuddin urged MPs to collaborate for the nation’s development, reaffirming that the welfare of the people and the security of the country must remain the foremost priority.