A total of 150 seats have been allocated for students in the National Parliament gallery, significantly expanding opportunities for young people to observe parliamentary proceedings directly.
Under the revised arrangement, an additional 100 seats have been reserved for students, increasing the total from 50 to 150.
Previously, the parliamentary gallery had 50 seats designated for students under the age of 12.
The decision follows a letter from Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon to the speaker of parliament, requesting an expansion of the student quota.
The speaker subsequently approved the proposal.
The Ministry of Education confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the initiative will enable a larger number of students to witness the functioning of the legislature at first hand.
Officials said the move is intended to familiarise the younger generation with parliamentary procedures and democratic practices.
Education minister said the initiative aims to strengthen civic awareness among students.
Referring to historical context, he noted that late president Ziaur Rahman used to take students on boat trips to help them learn about the country’s resources and development potential.
“As education minister, I want Gen-Z to understand the state better and become more politically aware,” he said.
During a discussion on the initiative, the education minister met with the Secretary of the National Parliament Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, who welcomed the decision.
The secretary said visiting students would be briefed on parliamentary procedures before the start of sessions. He added that such exposure would help students gain insights into the architecture, history, and heritage of the National Parliament building.
