Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia Wednesday gave a call to the countrymen and all political parties to firmly establish parliamentary democracy in the national life, reports BSS.

In a nation-wide broadcast over radio and television given to mark the passage of the 11th and 12th Constitution Amendment Bills by the Jattya Sangsad Tuesday night, Begum Zia said from today we are starting our new journey In tlie

path of democracy.

She called upon all to build a modern and democratic Bangladesh. forgetUng all mistakes of the past and rising above narrowness.

BeguiA Zia said, "let us build strong Bangladesh for our posterity by uprooting corruption and removing indiscipline from society and discharging our duties frym our respective places."

The Prime Minister assured that her government would

take up all positive measures for solving the problems created in the way of employment, business and other sectors by the autocratic regime.

She extended her hearty congratulations to al) members of the Jatlya Sangsad and leaders of various political parties for their contributions to the long process of transition to democracy.

Begum Zia thanked the Acting President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed who

made a unique contribution in the process of transition to democracy."

In her eight-minute speech, the Prime Minister said BNP never hesitated and would not hesitate in future too in taking any constitutional and adminis trative steps for democracy, stability and. above all. greater national interest in response to the need of the time.

Begum Zia paid tributes to those valiant sons of the soil who liad sacrificed their Ilves for independence and democracy and prayed to Almighty Allah for the peace of the departed souls. The nation would for ever remember those whose supreme sacrifices opened the golden gate of democracy.

Begum Zia said power was usurped from an elected government on March 24. 1982. following which started a reign of oppression, misrule and activities devoid of any principle. All democratic values were destroyed Including judiciary und seeds of corruption were spread In all spheres of society and the administration was made subservient she said.

She said the national economy was crippled by rampant plundering.

Begum. Zia said in this backdrop a new government was formed after fair and free elections in the country following a mass upsurge. But within 39 days of formation of the new government a great calamity descended on our national life.

The Prime Minister said with your cooperation, we had employed all our energies to tackle this crisis, tn the midst of an economy destroyed by autocracy on the one hand and resource constraints on the other.

Begum Zia said, immediately after overcoming this crisis we started working our constitutional procedure for transition to parliamentary democracy and fulfil promises to the countrymen.

The Prime Minister mentioned that one-party rule and presidential system were introduced in the country in

1975. Later on. she said. Shahccd President Ziaur Rahman introduced multiparty system of democracy and following his path the parliamentary form of government was being established.

She said various questions had cropped up tn the people 's mind about the system of gov cm me nt after parliamentary elections on February 27 in tlic light of bitter memories of nine years of autocrat h regime. So it became neccs sary to restructure the system of government.

Begum Zia said she had indicated that the Sangsad could alone decide the system of government in the country. She said with this end in view we started discussion al various levels. After long discus sions. study of needs of lla-hour and detailed analysis of realities in the society, wc were sure that there were unanimity, both inside and outside Parliament on the system of government, she added.

Begum Zia said soon after ascertaining the views of all. BNP decided to establish parliamentary system of government through placing the new amendment bills.

The Prime Minister said people's democratic journey had reached this successful phase through great sacrifices and bloodshed which would be written in golden letters in the national history.

She said an institutional base has been established with the passage of the I 1th and 12th Constitution Amendment Bills by the Sangsad last mid night. She said parliamentary system was going to be estab llshed once again after tong 16 years replacing the presiden-

Hal form of government. The system would formally be introduced after receiving final verdict of the people through a referendum, to be held soon, she said

Begum Zia said, our government was formed with the support of lite peupk- who arc vested with sovereign power' people s venlk t was final to us Ui all crapes t. she added

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