The first session of the 13th national parliament is set to begin at 11am on Thursday, according to an official release from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin summoned the session on February 23 under Article 72(1) of the Constitution. Before parliamentary proceedings, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is expected to meet to determine the duration and agenda of the session.
The February 12 national election paved the way for the new parliament, and the gazette notification of elected MPs was published on February 13. Under the Constitution, the first session of a newly elected parliament must be convened within 30 days of the gazette publication.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected Leader of the House, while Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman serves as Leader of the Opposition. Following the resignation of former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury after the 12th parliament, a senior BNP MP will temporarily preside over the inaugural sitting.
Speaker, deputy speaker elections
The session will open with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The Leader of the House will propose a senior MP to preside temporarily, seconded by another MP. The speaker and deputy speaker will then be elected, followed by a brief adjournment for their oath-taking administered by the president. The newly elected Speaker will subsequently preside over the House.
During the first sitting, the Business Advisory Committee will be formed with the Speaker as its head to determine the session’s tenure and parliamentary schedule. Standing committees on various ministries are also expected to be formed.
President’s address and obituary motion
President Shahabuddin is expected to address the inaugural sitting. The cabinet will approve the speech beforehand, and MPs will discuss it during the session. The House will also adopt an obituary motion at the start of proceedings.
Ordinances to be placed before parliament
Treasury bench members will present several ordinances for parliamentary approval. Chief Whip Nurul Islam said 133 ordinances issued during the interim government’s tenure will be tabled. A special committee, including members from both the treasury and opposition benches, will examine the ordinances.
BNP parliamentary party meeting
On Wednesday, the BNP Parliamentary Party authorized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, leader of the House, to decide candidates for speaker and deputy speaker.
“We have entrusted the Leader of the House with this responsibility. He will make the decision, which we will know tomorrow,” Nurul Islam said.
He added that the government has offered the deputy speaker post to the opposition, but no response has been received yet.
‘Effective and vibrant parliament’
Nurul Islam said the ruling party aims to run an effective, vibrant, and responsible parliament, fostering constructive discussion, rational argument, and healthy debate on national issues. He expressed hope for opposition cooperation and affirmed that parliament will function according to its Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct.
“This parliament session will be the people’s parliament—the highest democratic institution representing the rights, hopes, and aspirations of the people,” Nurul Islam said.