The 13th National Parliament convenes today, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin set to administer the oath to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, marking the start of the first session under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government.
The session is expected to focus on implementing select provisions of the July National Charter, reviewing ordinances from the previous interim government, and setting the legislative agenda for the BNP administration.
Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed Cabinet members and ruling party MPs to maintain decorum and exercise caution in their public statements, emphasizing that officials should refrain from commenting on matters beyond their assigned responsibilities. He also called for punctuality among younger Cabinet members and adherence to traffic regulations, citing his own example.
The first BNP Parliamentary Party (BNPPP) meeting of the 13th Parliament was held on Wednesday at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm, with 209 lawmakers attending.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni opened the session, followed by remarks from BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
Later, Salahuddin Ahmed briffed journalist on the outcome saying, "Once sworn in, the Speaker will preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker and the panel of chairpersons, followed by a condolence motion and discussions on public expectations."
The government will honour and implement the feasible provisions of the July National Charter while reviewing the 133 ordinances issued by the previous interim government, he said.
The ordinances will be tabled by the Law Minister and sent to a special committee for scrutiny, he added.
Tarique Rahman acknowledged that some stakeholders had submitted notes of dissent on certain aspects of the July Charter but reiterated that the government would move forward with implementing agreed-upon provisions.
He also called for austerity in daily life, citing rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which could impact the global economy and Bangladesh.
Chief Whip Moni said the Public Service Commission's 2024 annual report will be presented during the session, and efforts will be made to form parliamentary committees such as the Business Advisory Committee, Special Committee, and Privilege Committee.
Meanwhile, BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) on Wednesday authorised Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to decide the candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
"We have entrusted the Leader of the House with the responsibility of deciding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He will take the decision, and we will know it tomorrow," said Chief Whip Nurul Islam.
He came up with the remarks while speaking to reporters at the LD Hall after a meeting of BNP's parliamentary party in the ruling party's parliamentary party room on the ninth floor of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman in the chair.
