Preparations underway at South Plaza for new MPs, cabinet oath ceremony

The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is being readied for the oath-taking of newly elected members of parliament and the formation of the new government, with South Plaza set as the venue for both ceremonies.

On this occassion, the parliament complex is being refurbished, damaged areas repaired, and spaces cleaned to welcome the MPs.

According to parliamentary sources, the newly elected MPs will take their oaths on Tuesday at 10:00am, followed by the swearing-in of the BNP-led cabinet, headed by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in the afternoon at the same location.

A senior government official said the interior of the parliament building and MPs’ designated rooms have been rearranged and redecorated. Preparations have been ongoing since Saturday under the supervision of the Cabinet Division and the Parliament Secretariat.

Sources from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works noted that the official residence of the new prime minister is not yet ready. Separately, Cabinet Secretary Abdur Rashid was relieved of his duties on Saturday.

Parliamentary officials confirmed that preparations are being carried out under directives from Bangabhaban.

Under constitutional rules, elected MPs must take their oaths within three days of gazette publication. The gazette for 297 of the 299 parliamentary seats was released Friday night. The BNP secured an absolute majority with 209 seats, while the Jamaat-led 11-party coalition will serve as the opposition with 77 seats. Independent candidates won the remaining seats.