The president was delivering his speech on the first day of the maiden session of 11th parliament in the evening. Though the Leader of the Opposition HM Ershad was absent as he is undergoing treatment abroad, Deputy Leader of the Opposition GM Quader was present. "The government was formed, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, through an absolute majority in the election with the people's mandate. Development and growthThe president said the present government has been able to maintain sustainable economic growth in all economic indexes. The president said the government's 'zero-tolerance' policy against drug abuse, militancy and extremism has been praised worldwide, to the relief of people.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 30, 2019 15:04 UTC