Make JS a centre of discussions

President urges lawmakers

6 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

President Zillur Rahman yesterday called on both the ruling and opposition parties to turn parliament into a centre of all discussions in order to make it more functional. "In a democracy, there would be differences in opinions and ideologies among the political parties but all need to show respect for others for expanding the democratic system." The president said this while unveiling a book titled 'Sangsad Bitarka' (parliamentary debate) by Awami League leader Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. Presided over by former chief adviser to a caretaker government Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, the programme was also addressed by LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Prof Syed Anwar Hossain and columnist Golam Akbar Chowdhury, husband of the writer. Zillur Rahman called on all to show their mutual respect, patience and tolerance for others' opinions for democratic development. “The House plays a vital role in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of people in the parliamentary democratic system,” he added. The president further said that right decisions could be made through live discussions on various national issues by the lawmakers belonging to both the parties. Terming the book a new milestone for democratic growth, he said Sajeda in her book discussed various national issues, including poverty reduction, women's empowerment, fulfilling basic needs of people and providing subsidies and loans to farmers. Ministers, lawmakers, writers and cultural activists were also present.