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A new-look parliament goes into its maiden session today, marking the start of new chapter in Bangladesh polity following the fall of the past regime in political upheavals.
A slew of 133 ordinances--mostly on changes following the 2024 mass uprising, are to be placed on the opening day after 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) convenes in the morning.
The 13th National Parliament comes after a turbulent period in Bangladesh's politics that caused the undoing of the long-reigning Awami League regime. The previous three parliamentary elections held during Sheikh Hasina's tenures were widely criticised by opposition parties and rights groups as controversial and lacking meaningful competition.
Hasina's government ultimately collapsed following the nationwide mass uprising of 5 August 2024, which forced her from power and triggered a major political transition.
The new parliament, therefore, represents the first legislature formed since that upheaval and is widely seen as a critical test for Bangladesh's attempt to restore political stability and parliamentary governance.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by its chairman Tarique Rahman, achieved a landslide victory in the JS polls held on February 12, and formed the government.
Because the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are currently vacant, the session will initially be chaired by a senior Member of Parliament. According to parliamentary procedure, the Leader of the House and Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, will propose the name of a senior MP to preside over the opening proceedings until a new Speaker and a Deputy Speaker are elected.
The prime minister will deliver a welcoming address at the outset of the sitting before the house proceeds with the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. Once elected, the two will take their oaths administered by the President, Mohammed Shahabuddin.
After the oath-taking ceremony, the sitting will resume with the new Speaker announcing the panel of presiding members.
Several formal proceedings are scheduled for the opening day.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com