Dhaka: The 13th Parliament embarked on its five-year journey with its inaugural session, commencing just a month after the February 12 general election. The session, which started at 11:05 am, has heightened public expectations for a dynamic and effective legislature, marking the presence of a true opposition in the House after 12 years.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the session commenced with a recitation from the holy Quran, followed by a welcome address from the Leader of the House and Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. Notably, the Speaker’s chair was vacant, as both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from the previous 12th parliament were unavailable. In a move to address this, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated veteran parliamentarian Khandaker Mosharref Hossain to temporarily preside over the House for the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The nomination received support from LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher. Upon the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the session is expected to adjourn briefly to allow them to take their oaths, administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Proceedings will then resume under the guidance of the newly elected Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
During the day’s proceedings, the panel of chairmen for the first session will be announced, and a condolence motion will be placed, expressing grief over the passing of notable figures, including three-time prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. The Law Minister is also anticipated to present 133 ordinances for parliamentary endorsement, alongside the formation of several parliamentary committees.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to address the House later in the day. The session is expected to adjourn after another sitting on March 15, ahead of the Eid-ul Fitr holidays. The BNP Parliamentary Party, chaired by Tarique Rahman, convened a meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for an effective and vibrant parliament to resolve issues through discussion and debate.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni conveyed the party’s commitment to fostering an environment of constructive discourse and rational debate on national issues. He also stated that the BNP Parliamentary Party authorized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to decide on candidates for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker roles.
In adherence to Article 72(1) of the Constitution, the first session of the new parliament was summoned by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, marking both the inaugural sitting of the 13th Parliament and the first parliamentary session of 2026. The session follows the parliamentary elections held on February 12, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority in 297 constituencies. With the session’s commencement, the five-year tenure of the 13th Parliament is officially underway.