The members of parliament (MPs) are entering the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to attend the first session of the 13th parliament, scheduled to begin around 11am on Thursday.
Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to propose a name for Speaker. Once finalised, the Speaker will preside over the election of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. According to parliamentary rules, President Md Shahabuddin will administer their oath.
A condolence motion will be tabled in memory of late former prime minister Khaleda Zia and others killed in past movements. Later, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman will present 133 ordinances.
As mandated by the Constitution, the president will deliver an address to parliament, marking the conclusion of the session. Following Thursday’s sitting, the House will reconvene on 15 March.
After securing a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP formed government on 17 February under the leadership of party chairman Tarique Rahman.
The Constitution requires the first parliamentary session to be held within 30 days of the gazette notification. Traditionally, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected during this opening session.
Given the ruling party’s majority, its nominees are typically elected to these posts. However, the BNP had proposed offering the Deputy Speaker’s position to the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami.
Jamaat has announced it has temporarily rejected the proposal, stating it will decide on the Deputy Speaker role after parliamentary discussions regarding the July certificate.
