13th parliament goes into session today

The highly anticipated inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament commences today, March 12. This session is regarded as a significant milestone in the nation's political landscape. The initial session holds great importance in initiating the activities of the new parliament as stipulated by the constitution. In accordance with the constitution of Bangladesh, the President is responsible for convening the session of the National Parliament, thereby officially commencing the constitutional activities of the newly established parliament. Article 72 of the constitution specifies that the President shall convene the session of the National Parliament periodically. Following the election, when the new parliamentary term begins, the President calls the first session. The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, along with their oath-taking, will be finalized in the first session that begins today. The President of Bangladesh will administer the oath to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Constitutional expert Shahdeen Malik informed Views Bangladesh, 'Article 74 of the Constitution explicitly states that a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker must be elected from among the members of parliament during the first sitting of the parliament. There is a provision for their swearing-in before the President following their election.'

He further stated, 'The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected through a vote by the members of parliament, after which the President administers the oath to them. The Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly are crucial in guiding the proceedings of the parliament. According to these rules, when the first session of parliament commences, a president is initially appointed to oversee the session until the election of the speaker. In line with parliamentary tradition, the leader of the parliament delivers a welcome address at the start of the session. Subsequently, he proposes a name for a president to lead the session. With the parliament's approval, that individual assumes the role of president for the first session and manages the proceedings. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker is also elected and sworn in.'

Constitutional expert and senior lawyer Ahsanul Karim stated, 'The inaugural session of the new parliament represents a significant milestone from a constitutional perspective.'

He emphasized that this session marks the commencement of the institutional framework of the newly established parliament and the official initiation of parliamentary activities.

He further remarked, 'In accordance with Articles 72 and 74 of the Constitution, the President convenes the parliamentary session, during which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected in the initial meeting. Following parliamentary traditions and procedural rules, several key formalities are fulfilled during the first session - including the commencement of the session, the leader of the parliament's welcome address, the assignment of responsibilities to the chairman to oversee the session until the election of the speaker, the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, and their subsequent oath-taking.'

Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed remarked on Wednesday, 'President Md. Shahabuddin will deliver an address at the inaugural session of the National Parliament. On the first day, 133 ordinances will be presented in parliament. A special committee will be established to review these ordinances. This committee will determine which ordinances will remain effective and which will expire.'

He also noted, 'Given that there is currently no Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the parliament, the session will commence under the leadership of a senior member. Subsequently, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected based on the proposal from the leader of the parliament. The ultimate decision regarding the nominations for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be made by the leader of the parliament in conjunction with the Prime Minister.'

Previously, following the announcement of the results from the 13th National Parliament election, the elected members of parliament took their oaths. The activities of the newly constituted parliament will now officially commence with this first session.

The preparations of the parliament secretariat are complete for this session to be held at the parliament building. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken special security measures in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the surrounding areas surrounding the first session.

A public notice signed by DMP Commissioner (Acting) Md. Sarwar said that this measure has been taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the session and maintain peace and order in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

The notice said that under the powers vested in sections 28 and 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, carrying of all types of weapons, explosives, harmful substances has been banned in the designated areas. At the same time, any kind of gathering, procession, procession and demonstration has also been banned. This ban will remain in force until the end of the session.