New Government to Be Sworn In at Parliament’s South Plaza

In a departure from tradition, the swearing-in ceremony for Bangladesh's new government will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament) instead of Bangabhaban.

Preparations are underway for the landmark event scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, February 17. Earlier that morning, newly elected members of the 13th Parliament will also take their oaths at the same venue.

The Election Commission published the official gazette on Friday night for 297 seats following the February 12 elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured an absolute majority with 209 seats.

Jamaat-e-Islami is set to become the main opposition party, having won 68 seats. The remaining seats were secured by other parties and independent candidates.

While the President traditionally administers oaths at the official residence (Bangabhaban), the move to the South Plaza marks a significant symbolic shift. Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, Kaniz Maula, confirmed that the Parliament Secretariat has been directed to prepare the outdoor venue.

Questions regarding the constitutional process have surfaced due to the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Officials indicate that, as per constitutional provisions, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath to the newly elected MPs in the morning. Following this, the majority party will formally elect its leader to seek the President's invitation to form the government.

The incoming administration will take over from the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, which was formed following the mass uprising in August 2024. The transition is expected to conclude on Tuesday evening when the President swears in the new Prime Minister and the Cabinet.