<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>President M Abdul Hamid called all concerned for further integrated efforts to build an exploitation-free society by entirely eradicating corruption, terrorism, drugs and militancy from the country.</b></span><br></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The President made the call as he addressed the New Year's (2023) first session of the 11th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) here this evening.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The head of the state termed the parliament as the focal point of people's expectations and said, "People are the source of all power. All public representatives must give priority to the public interests."</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>He also asked all to work together with the spirit of Liberation War to build a 'Sonar Bangla' which will be free from hunger and poverty envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;As per the parliamentary practice, the current session is the maiden one of the New Year, where the President addresses the House every year. Subsequently, detailed discussions would take place on his speech with the participation of lawmakers.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>In his speech, the President highlighted the development and success of the government in various fields, including economic development, communication, electricity, agriculture, education, health, rule of law, women empowerment and information technology.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Abdul Hamid praised the Prime Minister's strong leadership in implementing various mega projects, including metro rail, the construction of the tunnel under Karnaphuli River and Padma Bridge with government's own funding, fighting against COVID-19, providing humanitarian aid to the vulnerable Rohingyas and facing climate change affects.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Referring to Bangabandhu's foreign policy dictum, "Friendship to all, malice towards none", the President said the government, based on this, is working tirelessly to strengthen diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries, expand trade and labour market under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</div><div><br></div><div>"The Prime Minister's strong leadership in providing humanitarian aid to the vulnerable Rohingya people, empowering women and tackling climate challenges is being acclaimed globally," he added.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Talking about the impact of the ongoing global economy and politics, the President said the entire world is passing through a difficult time.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>He said the present government was able to successfully deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain economic dynamism, but the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has slowed down this ongoing progress. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>