Dhaka, March 12 -- Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday described the newly formed 13th Jatiya Sangsad as a "People's Parliament", urging lawmakers to rise above party divisions and work to meet the expectations of citizens.
Addressing the House after the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, Rahman congratulated newly elected MPs and said their responsibilities had changed with their election.
"From today, you are no longer members of any specific party," he told lawmakers, calling for a shift from partisan politics towards national service.
He said the new parliament reflected the will of the people and that citizens across Bangladesh were looking to the chamber with hope.
"A people-accountable an...