The first session of the 13th National Parliament is set to commence today, March 12, at 11:00 AM at the Parliament House.

This marks a significant political shift as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) takes the lead in the House.

In a historic first, Jamaat-e-Islami will serve as the primary opposition, alongside the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP).

Opening Formalities and Key Agenda
The session will begin with the recitation from holy books. In the absence of a Speaker, a senior member of the treasury bench will preside over the initial proceedings.

According to the Parliament Secretariat, today’s agenda includes seven key items:

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker: The new Speaker will take charge immediately following the election to conduct the rest of the session.

Panel of Chairmen: Nomination of members to the panel of parliamentary committees.

Condolence Motion: Observations in memory of deceased former lawmakers and distinguished personalities.

Ordinance Placements: Per Article 93(2) of the Constitution, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman will present 133 ordinances issued during the interim government’s tenure. Parliament will decide on their ratification, amendment, or repeal. Notable among these are ordinances providing criminal immunity to those involved in the July uprising.

Reports and Committees: State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari will present the 2024 annual report of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). Additionally, various parliamentary standing committees will be formed.

Presidential Address: President Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to deliver the inaugural speech, followed by a formal discussion by lawmakers.

Tribute to the July Movement
The 13th Parliament is placing special emphasis on the July Movement. In a symbolic gesture, family members of four victims—including the rickshaw puller of Golam Nafiz, who was fatally shot in Farmgate on August 4, 2024—have been invited to attend the opening session.

Opposition Stance and Legal Debates
Despite the formal schedule, opposition leaders have raised objections regarding the President’s role.

Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the President "has no right" to address the Parliament in its current context.

He added that decisions regarding the Deputy Speaker position would be made only after receiving a formal proposal.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat intends to play the role of a "responsible opposition."

The first session of the 13th Parliament is expected to continue for approximately one month.