First 13th Jatiya Sangsad session set to begin on Thursday

The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad is scheduled to begin at 11am on Thursday, according to an official release from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin summoned the session on February 23, exercising the authority granted under Article 72 (1) of the Constitution. According to constitutional provisions, the president must convene the first session of a new parliament within 30 days of the publication of the election results gazette, based on the written advice of the prime minister.

The gazette of the MPs elected in the February 12 parliamentary election was published on February 13.

Before the House proceedings begin, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is expected to meet to determine the duration and agenda for the session.

A key task for the treasury bench during the inaugural sitting will be to table ordinances that the government wishes to convert into law. The interim government promulgated or amended a total of 130 ordinances during its 18 month tenure.

As former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has resigned, a senior BNP leader is expected to preside over the opening sitting, according to a parliament secretariat official.

Shortly after the session begins, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected and sworn in by the president. Following their election, the session is likely to be adjourned for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the oath taking. The newly elected Speaker will then chair the proceedings.

The Business Advisory Committee of the new parliament, to be headed by the Speaker, will also be formed during the first sitting. The committee will decide the duration of the inaugural session and other parliamentary business. Standing committees for various ministries are also expected to be formed.

President Shahabuddin will deliver an address to parliament during the first session in line with constitutional practice. The cabinet will approve the speech beforehand, and MPs will later discuss it. A condolence motion is also scheduled.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected as Leader of the House in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, while Jamaat e Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has been elected Leader of the Opposition.

The BNP led alliance secured 212 seats in the February 12 national election, with BNP alone winning 209. The Jamaat e Islami led alliance won 76 seats, of which Jamaat secured 68.