First session of 13th JS ends

The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad ended on Thursday night with the reading of the president's prorogation order.

Following a closing speech by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the 25-working-day session concluded around 9:00 PM.

Earlier on March 12, the parliament began its journey. On the final day, leader of the house and prime minister Tarique Rahman and leader of the opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman delivered their concluding remarks.

The speaker presided over the evening sitting, while Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal chaired the morning session.

In his valedictory speech, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed thanked members for their active participation and cooperation, expressing hope that the house would continue to strengthen parliamentary democracy and ensure overall national development and the rule of law.

Highlighting the significance of the recent election, he noted that it was held with spontaneous public participation after 18 years.

Providing a summary of parliamentary activities, the Speaker said a total of 94 bills were passed during the session, including two on the final day, against 133 ordinances. Five standing committees and two special committees were also formed.

During the question-answer sessions, 35 out of 93 questions addressed to the prime minister and 1,778 out of 2,509 questions to ministers were answered.

He also mentioned that 220 members were elected for the first time in this parliament and praised their constructive participation in discussions.

The Speaker congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on being named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, describing it as a significant international recognition for Bangladesh.

He called for building the country under the principle of “Bangladesh first", upholding the spirit of the liberation war and recent democratic movements.

At the end of the session, speaker formally declared the prorogation by reading out the president's order, wishing peace and prosperity for the nation.

AM