BNP leaders who were newly elected members of parliament were sworn in at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday morning.
Although the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 10am on Tuesday, it started after a short delay.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath in the Jatiya Sangsad Oath Room around 10:45am as per Article 148 (2)(a) of the Constitution.
At 10:35am, Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Maula began conducting the ceremony, which formally started with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
After the oath, Secretary Kaniz Maula briefed the newly elected MPs on various formalities.
During the swearing-in, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was seen standing in the front row alongside party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Moin Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Mirza Abbas, and Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.
Tight security measures have been taken in and around the parliament area ahead of the oath-taking ceremony.
Twelve platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in the parliament area to ensure security for the oath-taking ceremony.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police restricted traffic movement from Khejurbagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue, and from Ganabhaban Crossing to Urojahaj Crossing along Lake Road. Police have advised commuters to use alternative routes.
At 4pm, Tarique Rahman and members of the new cabinet will take oath before President Mohammed Shahabuddin at a special ceremony at the South Plaza. In the evening, the Cabinet Division will issue a gazette notification allocating portfolios to the new ministers.
In the 12 February election, the BNP secured two-thirds of the seats. In line with tradition, MPs from the majority party have taken oath in first.
Security has been tightened in and around the parliament for the ceremony. Even elected MPs are being allowed entry only after verification of their national identity cards.
Despite the heightened security, large crowds of curious onlookers have gathered around the parliament area, eager to catch a glimpse of the newly elected lawmakers.
