13th Parliament's First Budget Session Begins Today

The second session of the 13th National parliament, its first budget session, begins today at 3:00pm. President Mohammed Shahabuddin convened the session under Article 72(1) of the Constitution. The sitting will be held in the parliament chamber at the National parliament in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The Parliament Secretariat said all preparations have been completed for the session.

The session will primarily focus on the presentation, discussion and passage of the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the first budget of the current government.

Lawmakers may also consider several constitutional amendments based on recommendations outlined in the July Charter.

Ahead of the session, the ruling party held a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, to discuss its parliamentary strategy.

The meeting reviewed the performance of seven ministries. Briefing reporters afterwards, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam said ministers presented reports on their recent activities, challenges and measures taken to address them.

On health issues, he said preparations had been strengthened to tackle dengue, while preventive measures were being implemented nationwide against measles outbreaks. The meeting was also informed that the Health Ministry had taken steps to ensure the presence of doctors at upazila-level health facilities.

Regarding infrastructure, the Chief Whip said the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges had floated tenders for the construction of 1,000 kilometres of new roads.

"The Prime Minister directed authorities to ensure cost-effective and corruption-free implementation of the projects," he said.

The meeting also reviewed progress on terminal development at Chattogram and Mongla seaports and discussed matters related to the Teesta Barrage project.

In the power sector, ministers reported that electricity coverage had expanded further across the country. Discussions on possible tariff adjustments were also underway.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed restrictions on carrying weapons, explosives and hazardous materials, as well as on rallies, processions, demonstrations and public gatherings in and around the parliament area during the session.

According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, the restrictions took effect from midnight on Saturday and cover key roads surrounding the National Parliament complex and adjacent areas.

The order will remain in force throughout the parliamentary session.

The budget session, traditionally held in June, allows lawmakers to debate and approve the national budget. Members of Parliament are expected to hold extensive discussions on the government's economic policies, development priorities and fiscal plans for the upcoming financial year.

The first session of the 13th Parliament began on March 12 and concluded on April 30.