The Jatiya Sangsad on Friday night passed 91 bills, converting interim government ordinances into permanent laws just ahead of a constitutional deadline.
However, the session ended in turmoil as the opposition alliance staged a walkout accusing the government of "political conspiracy" and a "breach of trust."
Chaos Over the 'July Memorial Museum' Bill
The primary flashpoint occurred during the discussion of the ‘July People’s Uprising Memorial Museum Bill 2026’. Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam alleged that a last-minute amendment was sneaked in, replacing an independent expert with the Culture Minister as the head of the museum's board.
“We wanted experts in history and literature to lead this, not politicians,” Nahid Islam said. “This is direct politicization and breaks our previous agreement.”
Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury defended the move, stating the amendment was proposed by a private member and that having a minister head such a board is standard procedure.
The Walkout and "Missing" Ordinances
Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep dissatisfaction that 16 crucial ordinances including those related to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Human Rights Commission were not tabled for passage. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, these ordinances will expire if not converted into law within 30 days of the first parliamentary session.
“If these are not passed by midnight, they will lapse. Why are you blocking these important reforms?” Dr. Rahman questioned before leading his alliance out of the chamber. Law Minister Anisul Huq responded that these specific bills require further scrutiny to make them "stronger and more up-to-date."
A Heated Debut for the 13th Parliament
The night was also marked by a stern rebuke from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed toward NCP lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah. When Hasnat protested the Speaker’s comparison of this parliament to previous ones, the Speaker warned him to adopt parliamentary norms. "This is not Shahbagh Square; this is Parliament. You must wait and listen" the Speaker remarked.
Despite the protests 24 bills were passed on the final day, including the Cyber Security Bill 2026 and the Bank Resolution Bill 2026. In total 91 out of 133 interim ordinances were successfully converted into law.
