, March 12 -- elected Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday called on both the government and the opposition to work together in the national interest to fulfil the aspirations of the people and strengthen democratic institutions.

Addressing the House after assuming office, the Speaker said the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War-equality, human dignity and social justice-must guide the work of the current Parliament.

He said the people of Bangladesh have long struggled to realise these goals and have cherished the dream of building a just and equitable society.

"The responsibility of turning these aspirations into reality now lies with every member of this august House," he said.

Describing democracy as a system based on ...