Major Hafiz new Speaker, Kayser Kamal Deputy

Senior BNP parliamentarian Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, and BNP lawmaker Barrister Kayser Kamal were unanimously elected yesterday (Thursday) as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, respectively.

At the opening of the maiden session of the newly formed 13th parliament, MPs first elected six-time parliamentarian Hafiz Uddin Ahmed as Speaker, followed by Kayser Kamal, who made his debut in Jatiya Sangsad, as Deputy Speaker.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni proposed the name of Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (MP, Bhola-3) for Speaker, seconded by Rakibul Islam (MP, Khulna-3).

The temporary presiding officer, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, then put the proposal to a voice vote. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was elected uncontested.

Subsequently, M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu (MP, Natore-2) proposed Kayser Kamal (MP, Netrakona-1) as Deputy Speaker, supported by ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan (MP, Lakshmipur-4).

The House approved the proposal by voice vote.

Following their elections, the session went into a 30-minute recess to allow the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker to take their oaths.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oaths at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad.

Earlier, at 11:05 am, the maiden session began with the Speaker’s chair vacant, as both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th parliament were unavailable.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed previously served as Minister for Liberation War Affairs, while Kayser Kamal was State Minister for Land in the current government.