New government’s oath ceremony to be held at South Plaza instead of Bangabhaban

In a break from long-standing tradition, the new government’s oath-taking ceremony will be held in an open venue this year. The interim administration and relevant authorities have planned the event at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday (February 17), instead of Bangabhaban.

According to senior government officials and BNP sources, the newly elected members of parliament will take their oaths at the South Plaza in the morning. In the afternoon, the BNP’s new cabinet, led by Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to be sworn in.

Preparations began immediately after the gazette of the 13th parliamentary elections was published on Friday night.

Kaniz Mowla, secretary of the parliament secretariat, said that under the constitution, elected members must take their oaths within three days of gazette notification, prompting the decision to hold the ceremony at the South Plaza.

In the recent election, the BNP alliance won 212 seats, securing an absolute majority. Former ally Jamaat-e-Islami alliance will become the main opposition with 77 seats, while other parties and independents won the remaining seats.

Traditionally, the president administers the oath at Bangabhaban. Although the venue has changed, it remains unclear whether the president will officiate. Sources in the parliament secretariat said Bangabhaban instructed preparations at the South Plaza.

Discussions are also ongoing over who will administer MPs’ oaths. With the speaker and deputy speaker positions vacant, officials say the Chief Election Commissioner will administer the oaths according to the constitution.

Following the swearing-in, parliamentary parties will elect their leaders. The leader of the majority party will request government formation from the president, after which the new cabinet will take the oath.