The parliamentary party of ruling BNP has entrusted Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of nominating candidates for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the BNP parliamentary party held on the ninth floor of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday. Following the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni informed the media that the names of the nominees would be announced on Thursday.
First session procedures
The parliamentary party meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, commenced at 11:15am. Outlining the procedures for the first session of the 13th Parliament, the chief whip noted that President Md Sahabuddin will deliver a speech.
Due to the absence of a presiding speaker or deputy Speaker from the previous term, the session will begin with an empty chair.
Following a recitation from the Holy Quran, the prime minister will propose a senior leader to chair the house. Once supported, this leader will preside over the election of the speaker and deputy speaker.
Legislative agenda
Upon taking the chair, the newly elected speaker will nominate the Panel of Chairmen and move an obituary reference. This reference will include discussions on the late former prime minister Khaleda Zia, the “July warriors,” and other eminent personalities who have embraced martyrdom.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman is scheduled to present 133 ordinances, which will be sent to a special committee for scrutiny. The 2024 Public Service Commission report will be tabled, followed by a speech from the leader of the house.
The chief whip added that the formation of the Business Advisory Committee, Special Committee, Privilege Committee, and House Committee would be prioritised.
Regarding the possibility of appointing a Deputy Speaker from the opposition, Nurul stated that no positive response has been received from them yet.
No decision has been made regarding the post of Deputy Leader of the House, as the Prime Minister will determine whether such a position will be filled.
Addressing the “July Charter,” the chief whip clarified that members have not yet taken an oath on it because it is not currently part of the Constitution. He stated that a decision would be made once it is constitutionally included.
Background and mandate
The 13th National Parliamentary election was held on 12 February. Following the swearing-in of new MPs on 17 February, Tarique Rahman was unanimously elected Leader of the House and subsequently took the oath of office as prime minister that afternoon.
In the 300-seat Jatiya Sangsad, results for two seats are currently suspended, and one election was cancelled due to the death of a candidate. Of the 297 decided seats, the BNP holds 209, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami with 68, the National Citizen Party (NCP) with 6, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish with 2.
Additionally, Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Gono Samhati Andolon, and Khelafat Majlish each secured one seat, while independent candidates won seven seats.
