The Dhaka Times Desk The president took the oath. Abdul Hamid. He sought the cooperation and prayers of the countrymen including all political parties in carrying out their duties properly. Yesterday, on April 24, after taking the oath in an informal ceremony at Bangabhaban, in an immediate response to the reporters, he said, "I will perform my duties within the principles of justice."
In the swearing in ceremony, he also said that no matter the situation in the country, I will try to solve the problems from a neutral position. The President said, as I was neutral as a Speaker, I am now not a party member as a President. I am of all people. I want to fulfill all the responsibilities assigned to me in this position properly and beautifully.
In response to a question from journalists about the current political situation in the country, President Abdul Hamid said that various issues including elections are ahead; But I just took an oath. I have not fixed everything in advance. I have to think about everything and make decisions. Meanwhile, veteran politician, undisputed leader of Haor area, Abdul Hamid Advocate was sworn in as the 20th President of the country. Yesterday, April 24, at 7:30 pm, he took the oath in an informal ceremony at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Acting Speaker Colonel (retd) Shaukat Ali administered the oath to the President. The swearing-in ceremony, which lasted only 10 minutes, was conducted by Secretary of the Cabinet Division Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Md. Mozammel Hossain, Cabinet members, Parliament Deputy Leader Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sengupta, Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Salim, Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Obaidul Quader, Syed Ashraful Islam, Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Dr. Public Forum. Kamal Hossain, Workers Party's Rashed Khan Menon, Jasder Hasanul Haque Inu, Mainuddin Khan Badal, CPB's Mujahidul Islam Salim, Communist Party's Dilip Barua, Members of Parliament, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, four Election Commissioners, three army chiefs, politicians, businessmen, Editors of various media, leaders of various political parties, senior civil and military officials were present on the occasion.
A brief biography of the President
Abdul Hamid was born on January 1, 1944 in Kamalpur village of Mithamaine upazila of Kishoreganj. Haji Md. Abdul Hamid, son of Taib Uddin and Tamiza Begum, started his education in Kamalpur Primary School. From 6th to 8th standard, Bhairav completed his SSC from KB School and Nikli JC High School, Higher Secondary and Honors Degree in Humanities from Gurudayal College. His political career started in 1959 through Chhatra League. Joined the anti-Ayub movement in 1961 while still a college student. At one point he had to be arrested and sent to prison.
After serving as General Secretary (GS) and Vice-President (VP) of Gurudayal College Students' Union, Abdul Hamid took over as the founding president of Kishoreganj SAF Division in 1964. He joined Kishoreganj Bar after passing LLB from Dhakal Central Law College. From 1990 to 1996, he served five times as the president of the District Bar Association.
In 1966-67, Abdul Hamid was elected the vice-president of Mymensingh District Chhatra League. Then he joined Awami League in 1969. Abdul Hamid was elected as the youngest member of Pakistan National Assembly from Mymensingh-18 constituency in 1970 election. After that, when the independence war started in the country, he joined it. He participated in the Great Liberation War in 1971 and served in various important positions including Chairman of India's Meghalaya Recruiting Camp and Sub-Sector Commander of Bangladesh Liberation Force (Mujib Bahini) of the then Sunamganj and Kishoreganj districts. In recognition of his contribution to the Liberation War, Abdul Hamid was awarded the Freedom Medal this year.
He was elected Member of Parliament from Kishoreganj-5 constituency in the first national parliamentary election of independent Bangladesh held on March 7, 1973. In 1974, he became the vice-president of Kishoreganj district Awami League and served as the president from 1978 to January 25, 2009 before being elected Speaker. After the brutal murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Abdul Hamid had to spend a long time in prison during the then BNP government. Then in 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001, Abdul Hamid, a popular leader of Kishoreganj, was elected as a member of parliament as the nominated candidate of Awami League.
Abdul Hamid was elected Deputy Speaker in the Seventh National Parliament and served in this position from 13 July 1996 to 10 July 2001. He was later elected Speaker and served from 11 July 2001 to 28 October 2001. He also served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 1 November 2001 to 27 October 2006 in the 8th National Parliament. Abdul Hamid was elected Member of Parliament in the 9th National Parliament Election held on December 29, 2009 and was unanimously elected Speaker for the second time on January 25, 2009.
Abdul Hamid, who is known as a social worker and patron of education and culture, has established several schools-colleges and madrasas in his constituency. He has many developmental activities throughout the district. He is also an honorary member of Kishoreganj Press Club.
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