Dhaka, March 12 -- President Mohammed Sahabuddin has referred to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman as the "proclaimer of independence" during his speech at the first session of the 13th parliament.

The address took place amid protests and a walkout by Members of Parliament from the political alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.

In his opening remarks, the president used the title "proclaimer of independence" while paying tribute to the late Zia.

The president said the previous Awami League government was "fascist" and that it had made Bangladesh a "champion in corruption".

He also noted that Bangladesh was "freed" from this corruption status due to "strict measures" taken by the later BNP government.

[Updates to follow]

Published by HT Digital C...