Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Parliament House today for the inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament. Following a landslide victory in the February 12 elections, the BNP has taken its place as the governing party. Mr. Rahman enters this session both as Prime Minister and Leader of the House.
This parliament, established after the 2024 student-led uprising, is expected to face immediate debate. Tensions may rise as the House begins implementing key constitutional proposals outlined in the "July National Charter."
In accordance with the constitution, President Md. Shahabuddin is scheduled to address the opening session. However, opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP, have voiced objections to his speech, citing his election during the now-banned Awami League’s tenure. Sources from both parties suggest this could lead to a heated first meeting.
The political shift follows the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. After an interim period led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, the national election was held on February 12, 2026. Official results were gazetted on February 13, and new MPs were sworn in on February 17.
Per constitutional requirements, the first session is being held today, exactly one month after the election results were declared.
