The 13th parliament begins its journey today amid new political realities, multiple challenges and expectations that the promises made after the uprising will be fulfilled.
The first session follows the formation of a government through elections after the mass uprising, placing the new parliament at the centre of both public expectations and political uncertainty.
Alongside hopes for reform, concerns remain over several issues, including state restructuring.
A fragile economy, banking sector weaknesses, inflation control, employment generation and improving law and order also present major challenges.
Analysts say the central question is whether the parliament — formed on promises of change and a commitment to build a “new Bangladesh” — will break from old political practices or fall back into conventional political culture.
Historian and political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed said parliament is not merely a lawmaking body but the key platform for setting the direction of governance, ensuring accountability and building political consensus.
“The role of this parliament, formed under a new reality, will be extremely important,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
“In the past, parliaments formed after mass movements failed to fulfil the real aspirations of the people. Whether a new political trend emerges or parliament returns to old practices will become clearer once the session begins,” he said. “However, there is hope that the lessons of the past and the demand for change will be reflected this time.”
Bangladesh’s political history has witnessed several changes of power through mass movements.
In 1990, the fall of military ruler HM Ershad following the historic student-led uprising opened the path to multiparty democracy.
Many consider that movement a major milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic history.
Yet the following three decades suggest democratic institutions have not been fully strengthened.
Despite changes in power, mutual distrust among political parties, confrontational politics, parliamentary boycotts and repeated electoral controversies have weakened democratic institutions.
Political analyst Professor Dilara Choudhury said an ineffective parliament weakens democracy.
“In the last three parliaments, the absence of a meaningful opposition role, weak parliamentary committees and limited oversight of the executive prevented parliament from playing its expected role,” she told TIMES.
“This time both the government and the opposition have an opportunity to move towards reform and change. Otherwise, the old system may return.”
BNP Standing Committee member and prime minister’s political adviser Nazrul Islam Khan said the party had begun moving along a path of change from the outset.
“The prime minister’s actions from the first day demonstrate this,” he told TIMES.
“We will fulfil the promises made to the people. Despite many challenges, we remain optimistic.”
However, leaders of the opposition Jamaat alliance have expressed a different view.
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and media chief Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said the ruling party had already taken a position against reforms.
“The people of the country have not taken this well,” he said.
“We will play an effective role in parliament for the welfare of the country and its people. If the government attempts to impose anything against national interests, we will also protest on the streets.”
Context of elections after July Uprising
The country’s recent political transformation began with the fall of the Awami League government during the July–August uprising of 2024.
An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was subsequently formed, bringing major changes to the political power structure.
Nearly one and a half years later, the 13th parliamentary election was held alongside a referendum on implementing the July Charter and broader reforms.
The BNP alliance secured a two-thirds majority and formed the government.
The Jamaat alliance, meanwhile, won 77 seats — breaking previous electoral records — and emerged as the main opposition.
The referendum also passed in favour of the proposed reforms.
The outcome has created the possibility of a more active parliamentary environment for policy debate, question-and-answer sessions and government accountability.
After three controversial elections in the past, expectations are growing that this parliament will not function as a one-party “loyal parliament”.
Parliament filled with new faces
Another notable feature of the 13th parliament is that 76 per cent of its members are new faces.
Even the prime minister and the leader of the opposition are first-time MPs.
Many young and first-time lawmakers have entered parliament from student politics, civic movements and professional backgrounds.
During the campaign they pledged to tackle corruption, pursue administrative reform, restructure the economy, strengthen judicial independence and reinforce democratic institutions.
However, the challenges remain significant.
Economic pressure, global uncertainty, administrative complexity, war-related instability and long-standing political divisions mean fulfilling those promises will not be easy.
The lack of parliamentary experience among many new members is also seen as a major challenge.
Without stronger parliamentary committees and more research-based policy debate, improving parliamentary effectiveness will be difficult.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said cooperation between experienced and new members could produce meaningful results.
“We hope the BNP government, formed on the sacrifice of thousands of students and citizens, will move along the path of change to repay that debt,” he said.
“Otherwise, we will protest both inside parliament and on the streets.”
Early signs of tension
Several political issues have already surfaced ahead of the first parliamentary session.
These include demands for the resignation of the president appointed during the Awami League era, implementation of the July Charter approved in the referendum and allegations of election engineering.
Opposition parties have also criticised the appointment of interim government security adviser Khalilur Rahman as foreign minister.
Several opposition leaders have demanded his resignation, accusing him of involvement in election engineering.
These issues could shape relations between the government and the opposition from the outset of the parliamentary session.
If addressed through parliamentary debate, parliament could become more effective.
But if they escalate into political confrontation, parliamentary effectiveness may suffer.
Economic, reform and governance challenges
The new parliament faces major economic and administrative challenges alongside political ones.
Controlling inflation, creating employment, attracting foreign investment and restoring economic stability are key priorities for the government.
Debate also continues over reforms to the electoral system, administrative structures and the judiciary.
If parliament can advance reforms through the July Charter, long-term positive changes may emerge in the country’s political system.
Expectations for a new political culture
The July Uprising created a historic opportunity to establish a new political arrangement.
If parliament becomes an effective platform for policymaking, it could reshape political culture.
Strong debate, effective committees and meaningful oversight of the executive can strengthen democratic institutions.
Analysts say that if MPs prioritise national interests over narrow party considerations, this parliament could set a new precedent.
Otherwise, the country risks returning to the old cycle of political confrontation.
The test ahead
The first session of the 13th parliament is therefore more than a constitutional formality.
It marks the beginning of a new political phase.
Public expectations are that parliament will become a platform for meaningful debate, ensure government accountability and build political consensus.
Whether the new parliament fulfils those expectations — or slips back into old political practices — remains the key question.
