Dhaka, Nov. 9 -- Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Monday called on lawmakers to uphold parliamentary conventions, decorum and mutual respect, stressing the importance of accommodating differing opinions and resolving differences through dialogue while prioritising national interests.

He made the call in his opening remarks at the fourth session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Monday.

Referring to Bangladesh's long struggle for democracy and voting rights, he said the people of the country had repeatedly demonstrated courage, sacrifice and determination in their efforts to establish democratic rights.

The Awami League government had undermined democracy over 17 years through dummy elections, injustice, repression and extrajudicial killings, h...