Speaker of the National Parliament Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram has been accorded a public reception in Lalmohan, Bhola, following his recent election as chairman of the IPU Asia-Pacific Group.

The reception was organised by Lalmohan Upazila and municipal BNP, along with its affiliated and associate organisations, at the Lalmohan Upazila Parishad Auditorium at 11 am on Tuesday (October 20).

The programme was conducted by Shafiqul Islam Babul Panchayet, general secretary of Lalmohan Upazila BNP.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Speaker alleged that several elections in the past had been marred by irregularities and electoral manipulation. He claimed that his residence had been surrounded by police during the 2018 election. He also alleged irregularities in the 2008 election and said his election agents had been attacked at their homes.

Criticising the rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed alleged that extensive looting and corruption had taken place over the past 16 years and that large sums of money had been siphoned abroad. He said those involved in wrongdoing and corruption would gradually be brought to justice.

The Speaker said he was conducting parliamentary proceedings impartially and noted that the opposition had not raised any complaints against him. He also stressed the need to address extrajudicial killings and ensure accountability for those responsible for wrongdoing.

Referring to his election as chairman of the IPU Asia-Pacific Group, he said a conference involving parliamentarians from 167 countries had been held in Tanzania, where he was elected to the position representing the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that no one from Bangladesh had previously held the post, describing the achievement as an honour for the entire country.

Speaking about development in his constituency, the Speaker said he had been involved in politics for 40 years to improve people’s lives. He called for an end to extortion, land grabbing and corruption in Lalmohan and Tazumuddin, warning that no one would be allowed to escape accountability for misconduct.

He urged authorities to ensure that relief distribution remained free from irregularities and that genuine fishermen received government assistance. He also called on leaders and activists of the ruling party to cooperate in ensuring transparency in relief activities.

On Durga Puja celebrations, the Speaker said, “Religion is individual, but festivals are for everyone.” He urged all concerned to ensure that members of the Hindu community could celebrate the festival peacefully and without hindrance.

Warning against collecting money from both parties in the name of mediation and arbitration, he said such practices would not be tolerated. He stressed that people should seek justice through the law, police stations and courts. He also invited residents facing land-grabbing problems to inform him, adding that he would pay their launch fare to Dhaka if necessary.

The Speaker also called for a zero-tolerance approach to drugs, saying he did not want to see drug-related activities in Lalmohan or Tazumuddin. He said anyone involved in drugs, including political leaders, must be detained and brought under the law.

Concluding his speech, he urged local people to support development initiatives rather than burden him with personal requests, saying he wanted to focus on the area’s development.