The 13th Parliament officially began its journey on Thursday as the first session convened at 11:05 am, exactly one month after the 13th National Parliament Election and the concurrent constitutional Referendum held on February 12.
The session opened amidst high public expectations for a vibrant legislature, starting with introductory remarks from Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moula and a welcome address by the Leader of the House and Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.
In a departure from historical precedent, the session began with the Speaker’s chair vacant as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the previous parliament were unavailable.
To address this, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated senior BNP leader and lawmaker Dr. Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the House temporarily.
This motion was seconded by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and endorsed by Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker MA Taher.
Following the formal election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the sitting is expected to adjourn briefly for an oath-taking ceremony administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin before resuming business.
During this inaugural sitting, the House is scheduled to announce a panel of chairmen and place a condolence motion for several noted personalities, including three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Additionally, the Law Minister is expected to present 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim government's tenure for parliamentary endorsement.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni emphasized the government's vision for the new term during a prior briefing, stating, “Our goal is to run an effective, vibrant and responsible parliament. We want an environment of constructive discussion, rational argument and healthy debate on national issues in parliament.”
The 13th Parliament follows a decisive election where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority, winning 209 seats.
Other significant parties in the 297 seats declared include Jamaat-e-Islami with 68 seats and the NCP with six.
While the Prime Minister offered the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition as a gesture of "great generosity," the Chief Whip noted that they have yet to receive a positive response.
According to constitutional mandates, the five-year tenure of this parliament officially commences on this day.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to deliver a formal address to the House later this afternoon.
The session is expected to be relatively brief, likely adjourning after a second sitting on March 15 ahead of the Holy Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
