We welcome a vibrant, effective and accountable parliament
In a scene never witnessed before in the parliamentary history of Bangladesh, the 13th National Parliament officially marched its maiden journey on Thursday, March 12, 2026 following the February 12 general elections, with people’s widespread expectations for it to be a vibrant, active, and accountable legislative body.
The first sitting of the House began with BNP’s senior MP Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain in the chair as the speaker and deputy speaker of the previous parliament remained absent.
On the first sitting, Hafizuddin Ahmed, a member of parliament from the Bhola constituency was elected speaker and MP from Netrakona-1 Kaiser Kamal deputy speaker unanimously of the Jatiya Sangsad.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while was delivering greeting speech after address of the newly elected speaker, said the newly formed parliament belongs to the people of Bangladesh, adding: citizens are looking forward it with expectations.
It is to be noted that BNP has formed the government after winning two-thirds majority in the election.
On the other hand, the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami remains in the opposition, winning 77 seats.
Sadly, democracy has not been institutionalized in the last 54 years in the country.
Although parliamentary democracy was restored in Bangladesh in 1991, there have been very few effective national parliaments with the participation of both the treasury and opposition benches.
This failure of political parties ultimately led the country to authoritarian rule.
Anymore, people do not want to return to the old style of politics.
Considering the new public expectations, the responsibilities of the MPs representing the treasury and opposition benches in this parliament are much greater.
However, it was observed in the past that an absolute majority sometimes creates the risk of authoritarian behavior.
We hope that the ruling party will be fully vigilant and responsible in this regard from the beginning of the parliament.
If democracy is to be institutionalised, the opposition party must also be constructive. In democratic politics, the National Parliament is the beacon of politics.
The responsible role of the members of parliament from the ruling party and the opposition can give the nation a vibrant and effective National Parliament.
We expect all members of parliament to rise above personal and party interests.
The opposition party will emerge from the culture of boycotting parliament for no reason in the past.
For the sake of the country, the ruling party should also have the attitude of accepting criticism.
Finally, we welcome the new parliament. Congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and all the members of parliament.
