Dhaka, March 12 -- President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday said sustainable development cannot be achieved without the political and economic empowerment of people and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring democratic rights in all aspects of state governance.

Addressing Parliament, the President said the government, despite inheriting a fragile economic situation, is moving forward with determination to build a just, humane, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.

He acknowledged that the newly formed government faces major challenges, particularly in poverty alleviation, combating corruption and maintaining law and order.

"The path ahead may be difficult, yet with genuine political will, no obstacle is insurmountable,"...