Thirteenth Parliament: Inaugural Session Tomorrow

The inaugural session of the Thirteenth National Parliament is scheduled to commence tomorrow, 12 March, at 11:00 am in the Parliament Chamber of the National Parliament House. President Md. Sahabuddin has officially summoned the session, in accordance with the constitutional mandate, which requires the new parliament to convene within 30 days of the announcement of general election results.

However, uncertainty surrounds the leadership for the opening of the session, as the names of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker have not yet been finalised. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to reach decisions on these key appointments during its parliamentary party meeting today.

Probable Candidates for Key Posts

According to party sources, as per international parliamentary practice, the majority party nominates candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Discussions are ongoing regarding the Deputy Speaker post, with a proposal extended to a member of Jamaat-e-Islami, though no final decision has been confirmed.

Agenda for the First Session

The first session of a newly elected parliament traditionally follows a set protocol:

Inaugural Chair Address: Normally presided over by the outgoing Speaker or Deputy Speaker. With the resignation of former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in September 2024 and the incarceration of former Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque (Tuku) in a criminal case, the presiding chair for tomorrow will be confirmed today.

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker: Following the inaugural address, the parliament will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who will then take the oath of office administered by the President.

Presidential Address and Motion of Thanks: The President will deliver an address to the new parliament, which will subsequently be debated in a motion of thanks.

Approval of Ordinances: Ordinances issued during the interim government period will be presented for parliamentary approval. As per law, any ordinance not ratified within 30 days loses its legal effect.

Political Context

Following the fall of the caretaker government on 5 August 2024, the Thirteenth National Parliamentary elections were held on 12 February under an interim government. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority and formed the government. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that today’s meeting will finalise decisions regarding the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and presiding chair for the inaugural session.

Political parties are emphasising both experience and broader acceptability in filling these constitutional positions to ensure stable parliamentary leadership. Tomorrow’s session will thus mark a significant new chapter in the nation’s legislative landscape, setting the tone for governance and parliamentary proceedings for the coming term.