The first session of the 13th National Parliament concluded on Thursday night following 25 working days. The session, which commenced on 12 March, was formally prorogued at 9pm after Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad read out the President’s order.
During the final day of proceedings, the Speaker presided over the evening sitting, while Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal conducted the morning session.
Delivering his valedictory address, the Speaker observed that he had not witnessed such a vibrant parliament in the past. He highlighted that the 13th National Parliament was formed through a fair, neutral, and spontaneous election held after an 18-year hiatus.
He said the assembly’s primary focus remains strengthening parliamentary democracy, ensuring national development, establishing the rule of law, and maintaining transparency and accountability.
The Speaker also extended his heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for being named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by the American magazine TIME. He described this inclusion as a significant international recognition for Bangladesh, reflecting the Prime Minister’s leadership, vision, and contributions to statecraft.
Legislative achievements and proceedings
Detailing the legislative business, the Speaker informed the House that a total of 94 bills were passed during the 25 sittings.
This figure included 91 bills passed against 133 ordinances, alongside two bills passed on the final day. In addition to legislative work, the session saw the constitution of five standing committees and two special committees.
Ahmad shared comprehensive statistics regarding parliamentary notices and questions handled during the session. Under Rule 62, 16 notices were received with two discussed, while nine notices were submitted under Rule 68, resulting in one brief discussion.
Under Rule 71, 38 notices were discussed, and members delivered 207 speeches under Rule 71A. Furthermore, one out of 14 notices under Rule 164 was accepted and referred to the Standing Committee on Privileges, while three notices under Rule 266 led to the creation of two special committees. In the question-and-answer segment, the Prime Minister responded to 35 out of 93 submitted questions, while various ministers answered 1,778 questions out of 2,509 notices received.
Focus on reform and justice
The Speaker expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of both the government and opposition benches, noting that 220 members were serving for the first time. He praised their constructive discussions and tolerant conduct, which he found impressive.
Ahmad specifically lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as Leader of the House and Dr Shafiqur Rahman as Leader of the Opposition for their positive and effective roles in parliamentary activities.
Turning to the government’s direction, the Speaker emphasised that the state would be guided by the spirit of the Liberation War and the “July Revolution” under the principle of “Bangladesh First.”
Priority programmes mentioned included the implementation of “Family Cards” for every family and “Farmer Cards” to bolster the rural economy.
The Speaker also highlighted the initiative of canal digging and re-digging to improve irrigation and drainage as a key move for agricultural production.
Finally, Ahmad reiterated the commitment to ensuring justice for crimes against humanity and extrajudicial killings committed during the fascist era. He stressed the importance of establishing judicial independence and building a humanitarian, inclusive, and accountable state, while also working to preserve the memories of the Liberation War neutrally.
The Speaker concluded by thanking the Parliament Secretariat, law enforcement agencies, various government departments, and the media for their support in ensuring the session’s success.
