Dhaka: The Jatiya Sangsad will commence its first session today at 11 am, as confirmed by an official release from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat. This marks the beginning of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, following the parliamentary elections held on February 12.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Mohammad Shahabuddin summoned the session on March 12, exercising his constitutional power under Article 72 (1). The President’s decision follows the constitutional requirement to convene the new parliament’s first session within 30 days of the publication of the election results gazette. This action is taken in accordance with the written advice of the Prime Minister.
The election results were gazetted on February 13, and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected as the Leader of the House, with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman serving as the Leader of the Opposition. Following the resignation of Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the Speaker of the 12th Parliament, a senior BNP leader will oversee the first sitting of the new parliament.
During the inaugural session, the election and swearing-in of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take place, presided over by the President. The session will adjourn for a brief period to facilitate the oath-taking ceremony. Subsequently, the newly elected Speaker will lead the House session.
The formation of the Business Advisory Committee and standing committees on various ministries is anticipated in this session. The Business Advisory Committee, headed by the new Speaker, will determine the duration and agenda of the inaugural session. President Shahabuddin is also set to address the first sitting, with his speech to be approved by the cabinet and followed by discussions among Members of Parliament.
The House will honor tradition by adopting an obituary motion during the first sitting. The BNP-led alliance emerged from the February 12 elections with 212 seats, of which BNP secured 209. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance obtained 76 seats, with Jamaat alone winning 68.