South Plaza Set for Historic Cabinet Swearing-In

In a landmark departure from decades of political tradition, the swearing-in ceremony for Bangladesh’s new Cabinet is set to take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban). Breaking away from the customary setting of the Bangabhaban’s Durbar Hall, this move signifies a symbolic return to parliamentary supremacy following the recent general elections.

A Day of Constitutional Transition

According to sources from the Chief Adviser’s Office and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the twin ceremonies are scheduled for Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The day will begin with the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) taking their oaths of office in the morning, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.

The proceedings will culminate in the afternoon with the high-profile swearing-in of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. As mandated by the Constitution, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oaths to the incoming executive branch.

The Symbolism of the South Plaza

The decision to relocate the ceremony to the Parliament’s South Plaza is rooted in political symbolism. For the past eighteen months, the Jatiya Sangsad remained dormant after the dissolution of parliament following the 2024 uprising. However, during the interim period, the complex evolved into a hub for state reform, housing various commissions and hosting the signing of the July National Charter.

By holding the inauguration at the “epicentre of democracy,” the incoming administration aims to underscore its commitment to a parliament-centric governance model.

Preparations and Logistics

The Election Commission (EC) moved with unprecedented speed following the 13th National Parliamentary Election held last Thursday, publishing the official gazette of winners by Friday night. Kaniz Maula, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, confirmed that preparations are in full swing to accommodate the large-scale outdoor event.

Transition from the Interim Administration

Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, speaking shortly before the conclusion of his contractual tenure, noted that the Cabinet Division is fully prepared for the transition. While initial plans favoured the traditional Bangabhaban setting, the political consensus between the BNP—the party poised to form the government—and the interim administration shifted the venue to the South Plaza.

This site has recently served as the headquarters for the Constitution Reform Commission, led by Professor Ali Riaz, as well as the Election System Reform Commission. The choice of venue acts as a bridge between the reformative spirit of the interim government and the dawn of a new elected legislature.