Parliament Holds Double Sessions to Meet Constitutional Deadline for 133 Ordinances

The National Parliament began holding two sessions daily starting Tuesday (April 7) to fast-track the conversion of 133 interim government ordinances into laws before the looming constitutional deadline.

With the 30-day legal window set to expire on April 12, the House is working at an accelerated pace. Of the 133 ordinances placed on March 12, a special committee led by Zainul Abedin has recommended passing 98 as originally drafted and 15 in amended forms.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam announced that the first session now begins at 10:30 AM, followed by a second at 3:30 PM. "We are holding double sessions to ensure all necessary bills are passed on time," he stated, adding that Parliament is prepared to sit this coming Friday if required.

The legislative push follows a busy Monday where seven bills were passed. Three additional bills faced opposition objections and are scheduled for further debate. In total, 20 ordinances—including those related to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Human Rights Commission—are expected to lapse or be reintroduced later as strengthened, independent bills.