The newly elected BNP members of parliament formally took their oaths.

In a significant step following the 13th national parliamentary elections, the newly elected members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have officially taken their oath of office. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, 17 February, at the National Parliament House in Dhaka. The event commenced around 10:45 am in the Parliament’s swearing-in chamber, where the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), A M M Nasir Uddin, administered the oath to the MPs.

The proceedings were overseen by Kaniz Maula, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, who ensured the ceremony was conducted smoothly. The first group to take the oath included BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman along with other BNP-elected parliamentarians. Each member recited the prescribed oath and subsequently signed the official parliamentary register, formalising their induction into the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament).

Following the BNP MPs, the Chief Election Commissioner will administer the oath to representatives from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, independent candidates, and members elected from other political parties. The ceremony is scheduled to proceed in stages to accommodate all newly elected parliamentarians, ensuring adherence to protocol and parliamentary traditions.

Finally, members of the Constitutional Reform Council are also expected to take their oath, marking the conclusion of the formal induction process. The inclusion of these members underscores the ongoing commitment to constitutional oversight and parliamentary reforms.

Swearing-In Overview

The ceremony marks a crucial milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic process, reflecting the peaceful transfer of mandate from the electorate to the newly elected representatives. Analysts have noted the significance of this event, as it sets the tone for the functioning of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, highlighting the importance of parliamentary decorum and the institutional roles of both the CEC and the Parliament Secretariat.

Observers also emphasised that the orderly conduct of the oath-taking reinforces public confidence in the electoral process and the legitimacy of the newly elected legislature. With the swearing-in complete, the focus now shifts to the legislative agenda and the upcoming parliamentary sessions, where the newly inducted MPs are expected to contribute to debates and policymaking.