Various political, socio cul turai and other organisations on Wednesday congratulated President Abdur Rahman Biswas on his assumption of the country's highest office de scribing it as the "victory of the nationalist forces", reports BS&

In separate statement they expressed the hope that President Biswas would con tribute his mite in upholding national unity and solidarity and promoting democracy and rule of law

Deputy Speaker Sheikh Raxsak AM described Biswas as a learned politician, lawyer and veteran parliamentarian and expressed the confidence that hla role as President will greatly help consolidate the recently- Introduced parlia mentary democracy in the country.

Deputy Leader of Jatlya Sangaad Prof. A Q M liadruddoza Chowdhury hoped Biswas's firmness would be re fleeted In protecting the inde pendence and sovereignty of the country and protection of the Constitution.

Prof. Chowdhury could not attend the swearing-in cere niony as he had to attend a di visional seminar on malnutri tion of mothers and children organised by voluntary organ! sations in Chittagong as the chief guest

The Deputy Leader ex pressed the hope that the newly elected President would contribute to establishing a full-fledged democratic and exploitation-free society pledged by Shaheed President Zlaur Rahman.

lie termed the victory as the final victory of the ideal of Shaheed Zia.

Jatlya Samajlantrik Dal (Siraj) President and General Secretary. Shahjahan Straj. MP and Nazrul Islam expressed their belief that he would lake firm steps in upholding the image of the nation.

The JSD(S) leaders thanked Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for successful transition lo parliamentary democracy and urged her to take steps to solve basic problems of the people.

Janadal Chairman and Secretary General Advocate Sheikh Shahldullah and Nazrul

Islam Chowdhury felicitated President Biswas and criticised those who abstained from voting in Tuesday's presidential election.

Chairman of Hindu Otkya Front Monindranath Sankar said it was a victory of the na tlonallst forces in the country.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Kar Alnjlbi Dal hailed the victory and urged all political parties to nurture, democracy through tolerance and mutual respect for each others opinion.

Prof. M Sharceful Islam, Secretary General of National Federation of Teachers' Association and Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Ils steering committee said the democratic process initiated after the fall of autocratic regime would gain momentum and the country would achieve progress under the able leadership of the new President.

Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation Mizanur Rahman Minu said, the victory of Biswas was a victory of democracy and nationalist ideals and expressed the hope that the newly elected President would be able to take the country to its cherished goal of prosperity by dint of his honesty, sagacity and talent