President Abdul Hamid today urged both the treasury and opposition benches to play a proper and effective role together in the parliament to fulfill people's aspirations.

"Bangalee nation needs to forge unwavering unity once again to uphold our glorious independence achieved through the sacrifice of the three million martyrs and to sustain the spirit of the Liberation War and to build the golden Bangla as envisioned by Bangabandhu by uprooting terrorism and militancy from the country and establishing an exploitation free society," he said.

The president in his written speech also said, "We have been on a journey to achieve peace, democracy, development and prosperity and will go further following the path of development."

Bangladesh has reached a dignified status in the global arena through economic, commercial and social advancement, the president said.

"I firmly believe Bangladesh will soon emerge as a developed country," he added.

The president started his speech around 6:00pm after an hour adjournment of the sitting in honour of late Fisheries and Livestock minister Sayeedul Hoque and late MP Golam Mustofa, who died on December 16 and 19 last year respectively.

According to the tradition of the parliament, the parliament sitting remains adjourned on the first day of the session if any sitting MP dies.

But, as it is the New Year session, the president has to deliver his speech on the first day of the new session of the parliament in light of the constitution.