On Thursday, the 12th day of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament), the legislature approved 21 ordinances issued by the interim government without changes. In addition, three ordinances relating to the Supreme Court and human rights were repealed through separate bills. Once signed by the President, these measures will become law.
The day's proceedings were marked by intense debate, with opposition members staging a walkout over controversial bills. Ministers and state ministers presented the legislation on behalf of their respective ministries.
Key bills passed include the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Foreign Employment and Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Local Government (Union Parishad and Municipality) (Amendment) Bills, 2026, and others covering governance, labour, energy, social welfare, and environmental protection.
The three repealed ordinances were replaced by new laws: Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Bill, 2026, Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, 2026, and National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, restructuring judicial administration and the Human Rights Commission framework.
The National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) Amendment Bill became the focal point of debate. It identifies certain political parties-namely the former Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Nizam-e-Islam-as collaborators with the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War.
Opposition leader Dr Shafiqul Rahman objected, arguing that defining 'freedom fighters' and 'collaborators' could be divisive. Jamaat-e-Islami members recorded a dissent, calling the labels "unjustified." However, the National Citizens' Party, a coalition partner, raised no objections. The bill was passed through a voice vote.
The law now defines freedom fighters as individuals who actively participated in, trained for, or were part of recognised armed and civilian groups during the Liberation War from 26 March to 16 December 1971, including the Liberation Army, police, naval commandos, Kilo Force, and East Pakistan Rifles (EPR).
At 5:56 pm, opposition members walked out, with Dr Shafiqul Rahman declaring, "We do not accept responsibility for the passage of these anti-public bills." Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed countered that opposition members had participated at all stages and in some cases supported the bills, questioning the rationale for the walkout.
The legislation is expected to have a significant impact on administration, judiciary, local governance, and social policy across Bangladesh.
