DHAKA – Independence and National Day Parade 2026 was held with great pomp at the National Parade Square today after 18 years. President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the colorful parade.

Earlier, the premier along with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan received the President at the parade ground.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker, cabinet members, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, foreign diplomats and media personalities were present on the occasion. The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with the support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division. Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces and members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander.

A total of 25 contingents from different forces gave salute to the President. Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent. The mechanized display included significant military weapons. In addition, decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who gave salute to the President.

Fly-pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing and RAB Forces and freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members made the parade more interesting. After the mechanized display, Bangladesh Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. Air Commodore Mehedi Hasan led the aerial formation. State-owned Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations live telecast the parade.

According to the ISPR, in order to uphold the true history of the great independence and Liberation War to the new generation, a significant number of banners and billboards containing the spirit of the great Independence and National Day were displayed on two sides of the city roads and the National Parade Square.

These banners and billboards reflected the great Liberation War and the immortal history and heritage of the Bangalee nation. In addition, pictures of notable activities of all the forces participating in the parade have been displayed on the parade ground.

DHAKA – The government has issued directives to properly follow the National Flag Rules enacted in 1972 (amended in 2010) as it is the duty of every citizen to follow the guidelines for the proper use of the national flag. An official handout issued today said hoisting of the national flag is mandatory on the Great Independence and National Day as well as on other days designated by the government.

According to constitution, the national flag shall consist of a red circle on a green background. The flag rules further specify that the color of the flag shall be dark green with a red circle in the middle. The flag shall be rectangular in shape with proportions of 10×6 (length × width), featuring the red circle centered within the dark green field.

The radius of the circle shall be one-fifth of the length of the flag. Depending on the size of buildings, three standard flag sizes are used: 10×6, 5×3, and 2.5×1.5. The rules state that the flag must not be used to cover any part of motor vehicles, trains, or vessels, including their body, front, or rear. No other flag or colored flag may be flown above the national flag of Bangladesh. When displayed on a wall (other than on a pole), the flag must be placed flat against the surface.

In public auditoriums or meetings, the flag should be positioned behind the speaker at a higher level. If displayed across a street, it must be hung vertically. The national flag must not be lowered or allowed to touch the ground, including in cemeteries.

It must never be carried horizontally or flat; it should always be held aloft and free. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered with due respect. During formal flag hoisting ceremonies, the national anthem must be sung simultaneously. When the anthem is played and the flag is displayed, all present must stand facing the flag, while uniformed personnel should salute. When displayed on a motor vehicle, the flagstaff must be securely fixed to the chassis or radiator cap clamp. Nothing may be written or inscribed on the national flag.

DHAKA – A one-minute symbolic blackout will be observed across the country on the night of March 25. The blackout will take place from 10:30 pm to 10:31 pm nationwide, said an official handout today.

However, key point installations (KPIs), emergency facilities, and foreign missions located in Bangladesh will remain outside the purview of the blackout.

Today, March 17, 2026, marks the 106th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. He was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara, in the Gopalganj District, to Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun.

From an early age, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was actively involved in politics. During his youth, he developed strong political awareness and participated in various movements for the country’s independence. He was imprisoned early in his political career and, despite numerous challenges, eventually emerged as a prominent political leader.

He played a pivotal role in leading the nation toward independence in 1971. His historic March 7 speech at the Racecourse Ground inspired the Bengali people to join the struggle for freedom. On the night of March 25, Pakistani forces arrested him. After a nine-month-long war, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971.

Following independence, Bangabandhu became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh and later served as President. However, on August 15, 1975, he and most of his family members were assassinated in a military coup. His death remains one of the most tragic chapters in the country’s political history.

Over the years, his birthday has been observed in various ways. The observance became more prominent during the tenure of the Awami League government, when the day was marked with official, political, and social programs. However, the past two years passing without major formal ceremonies.

Educational institutions, political parties, social organizations, and both government and private entities continue to mark the occasion with tributes and discussions. These events often focus on his political life, his sacrifices for independence, and his role as the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary is not just a commemoration of a leader’s life—it stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, national heritage, and enduring spirit. It also serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about his vision, leadership, and ideals.

DINAJPUR – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government will take initiatives to establish agro-processing industries in the Dinajpur region to utilize its agricultural potential, strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities.

“If agricultural products can be preserved and processed properly, the local economy will become stronger and employment opportunities will also increase,” he said. The premier made the remarks while addressing a civic gathering and iftar mahfil at Dinajpur Circuit House ground this evening as the chief guest. Tarique Rahman said Dinajpur holds special emotional value for him, recalling memories linked to his maternal grandparents’ home in the district.

“People usually ask where someone’s maternal home is. But whenever I think of Dinajpur, the first thing that comes to my mind is my grandmother’s house,” he said. The premier mentioned that he has many childhood memories connected with his grandparents’ home in Balubari and Ghasipara areas of the town. Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, said this personal connection has inspired him to work for the development of the region.

Referring to speeches delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce president and local political leaders, he said they had highlighted various problems and potentials of the district, and the government would take those issues into serious consideration.

Reiterating that the government has begun implementing the commitments made to the people before the election, the premier said, “Alhamdulillah, within about one month of forming the government, we have already started implementing many of the promises we made to the people”.

As part of the implementation of the BNP government’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said, the canal excavation programme was formally launched across the country today from Sahapara in Kaharole upazila in the district.

“For many years, our rivers, canals and waterways have been filled up. As a result, there is a water crisis during the dry season, and when water suddenly comes during the monsoon season, it damages nearby crops and homes,” the premier said.

Therefore, he said, the government has taken a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years and expressed hope that this initiative would facilitate irrigation for agriculture and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Expressing concern over the excessive use of groundwater, the Prime Minister said, “Previously water could be found at a depth of around 100 to 150 feet, but now in many cases it requires going down 600 to 700 feet”.

“If water can be retained through excavation of canals and rivers, groundwater will gradually recharge and the arsenic problem will also begin to decline,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s initiative to empower women economically, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken a programme to provide ‘Family Card’ to four crore families led by women across Bangladesh.

“Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move this country forward by leaving women behind,” he said.

Noting that the pilot project for the ‘Family Card’ programme has already begun and is being implemented experimentally in 15 areas across the country, including Dinajpur-6 constituency, the premier said that after the completion of the pilot scheme, the programme will gradually be expanded nationwide.

Tarique Rahman said that his government also introduced an honorarium for religious leaders as per his party’s election pledge.

“We said before the election that we would arrange an honorarium for those who serve as imams, muezzins and khatibs in mosques, as well as religious leaders of other faiths,” he said, “Alhamdulillah, a few days ago we started that programme as well”.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to national development, the Prime Minister said the administration would work with full dedication to build the country people aspire to. People from various professions and social groups of Dinajpur district attended the civic gathering and iftar event.

LGRD and Cooperative Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam, District Bar Association President Abdul Halim, Dinajpur Chamber and Commerce President Abu Bakar Siddiq, district Jamiat-e-Islami President Matiur Rahman Kashemi and Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam spoke at the event.

Dinajpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the function while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it. Earlier, Prime Minister opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area of Kaharole upazila in the district. He formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27 pm. Later, he planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal.

KAHAROLE, Dinajpur – Highlighting various government initiatives involving the country’s commoners, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his party’s political vision is to change the people’s fortune.

“If someone earns Taka 5,000 today, we want their income to elevate to Taka 10,000 within the next few years. If someone earns Taka 2,000, we want to take such policies that will help double their income,” he said.

The premier added: “This is our political goal. This is the politics of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, this is the politics of Khaleda Zia, and this is the politics of the BNP government elected by you.”

Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing a public rally on the bank of Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area here this afternoon after inaugurating the nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies. The premier opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal here.

Tarique Rahman formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27pm. Later, the Prime minister planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal. Referring to his election pledges to build a beautiful country like developed nations and highlighting the role of the country’s people during the Liberation War, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure and anti-fascist movement, Tarique Rahman stressed that development programmes cannot succeed without public support.

Reflecting on the present government’s development plans and steps to improve the living standard of the country’s people, he said, “I cannot do this work alone. We need you with us . . . without your support, it is impossible to carry out this work.”

Describing the people as the true owners of the country, the premier said, “The people are the source of all power, and the people are the real owners of this country”.

He urged the countrymen to remain vigilant against attempts to create division or unrest in the country. “Some people try to create confusion with sweet words. We must remain alert against those who want to create instability in the country,” the Prime Minister said. About the newly launched canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said that the programme marked the beginning of a broader effort to build a stronger Bangladesh where citizens could establish their rights.

“Through this canal excavation programme, we want to build a Bangladesh where people can establish their rights and stand strong both economically and politically,” the premier said.

Noting that he will closely monitor the implementation of the canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said, “When I hear that the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal has been completed, InshaAllah I will come again to see it”.

The premier said that once the Sahapara canal excavation is completed, it will bring major benefits to agriculture in the area.

“This canal is about 12 kilometres long. When the work will be fully completed, around 31,000 farmers will receive irrigation water from it,” he said, adding, irrigation facilities from the canal will cover about 1,200 hectares of land, while nearly 350,000 people will benefit from the water in various ways.

Noting that the improved irrigation system is expected to increase crop production significantly, Tarique Rahman said, “The farmers of this area will be able to produce about 60,000 metric tons more crops than the current production, InshaAllah”.

Recalling the pledges made before the national election, the Prime Minister said the BNP government has already begun implementing several pledges aimed at supporting farmers and rural communities.

He noted that Bangladesh is home to nearly 20 crore people, most of whom live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, it is important to put agriculture on a strong foundation, because if agriculture survives and farmers remain well, the people of Bangladesh will remain well, the premier said, adding, thus, the government has been implementing different farmer-friendly programmes.

Tarique Rahman reminded the audience that his government had promised before the election to waive agricultural loans of up to Taka 10,000 including interest, and that the decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting after forming the government.

Pointing out the importance of canal excavation, the Prime Minister said many canals across the country have been filled up over time, causing water shortages during the dry season and floods during the monsoon.

“Across Bangladesh many canals that existed before have been filled up. In some places even rivers have been filled,” he said, adding, by digging canals, it will be possible to store excess rainwater during the monsoon and use it for agricultural purposes.

The premier said the government planned to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years to improve water management and support agriculture. Alongside canal excavation, he said, the government will also undertake a tree plantation programme.

“We will plant around 7,000 trees along the banks of this Sahapara canal. People will be able to move along the canal road and benefit from it,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique Rahman warned that excessive extraction of underground water through deep tube wells has caused groundwater levels to fall significantly.

“Ten years ago water could be found at a depth of about 50 feet, but now in many places people have to go as deep as 300 feet,” he said. Therefore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of conserving surface water through canal and river excavation so that underground water reserves can be preserved for future generations.

Highlighting several other programmes introduced by the present government, he said the government has already launched the ‘Family Card’ programme, which aims to reach four crore families led by women across Bangladesh. Although some areas have not yet received the cards, the premier assured that the programme would gradually expand.

“We have already started the pilot project and distributed Family Cards among 37,000 women. Gradually the programme will reach all areas, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh,” he said.

About the ‘Farmer Card’, Tarique Rahman said that a plan has been taken to launch the ‘Farmar Card’. Through this, small, marginal and medium farmers will be able to get various government benefits, he said, adding that the pilot project is going to be launched soon.

The Prime Minister announced that the government is also planning to promote agriculture-based industries in the northern region. He said discussions have already been held with major companies involved in agricultural processing and manufacturing. After the Eid-ul-Fitr, he said would sit with those industrial institutions so that more agro-based mills and industries can be established in this region, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, to create employment opportunities for local youth.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Disaster Management, Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia spoke at the rally.

Local lawmakers Syed Jahangir Alam, Md Sadique Reaz and Md Monjurul Islam also spoke, among others.Dina jpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the rally while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government has already started implementing the promises his party BNP made to the people before the national election in a gradual manner. “After the formation of the BNP government with the people’s mandate, we have started implementing all the promises made to the people before the election in a gradual manner, Alhamdulillah,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the monthly honorariums scheme for imams, muazzins and khadems of mosques, and heads and assistant heads of other religious institutions across the country.

At the event, he opened the programme by pressing the button of IBAS system to send the honorariums to the bank accounts of respective beneficiaries through EFT system under a pilot scheme at a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to eliminating economic disparity by creating employment, the premier said, “We promised the people before the national elections that we all will live well together by eliminating financial inequality by providing financial assistance or creating jobs for people from different classes and professions of society, who are economically disadvantaged. Now we have started implementing them”.

Highlighting several initiatives already undertaken by the government, he said the government has already introduced the ‘Family Card’ programme for economically disadvantaged women, adding that the scheme will gradually cover women across the country.

Tarique Rahman also announced that the ‘Farmer Card’ or ‘Krishok Card’ programme will be launched from April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh).

In addition, he said, the government’s canal excavation programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16.

About the honorarium scheme for religious leaders, the premier said, “From today, the honorarium programme for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths has started. Gradually, everyone who needs this support across the country will be brought under the programme”.

He said that the government will make its utmost efforts, within the capacity of the state, to ensure economic and social security for all citizens regardless of religion, caste or profession.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the citizens, Tarique Rahman said, “If we, as citizens, properly fulfill our responsibilities towards the state and society from our respective positions, I hope that in the next 10 years, we will be able to see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, In-Sha-Allah”.

Noting that the government wants to build the country on a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, he said, “If citizens are kept weak, the state can never be strong”.

“Therefore, we want to establish our country on such a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen so that no more fascism or the evil forces of subjugation can take away the freedom of the people,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman called for being imbued with religious, social and moral values, saying, “An economically prosperous state may ensure financial comfort in people’s lives, but without acquiring patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility or kindness, a person cannot become a complete human being”.

“To achieve such human qualities, it is important to be inspired by religious, social and moral values,” he added.
Stating that liberal educational statements of religion are unparalleled in building a safe society free from revenge and violence, the premier said, “I believe that every religion has such positive messages for building a morally rich human society”.

“Therefore, the role of people with religious knowledge like you is very important in creating a mentality rich with religious, social and moral values,” Tarique Rahman added.

After concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman took part in a photo session with beneficiaries on the stage.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honor and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and President of the cell formed to implement the honorarium providing programme Md Ismail Zabiullah attended the function as the special guest with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Munshi Alauddin Al Azad delivered the welcome address at the function.

Shaykh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Fayzul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Muhibbullahil Baki, Pesh Imam, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Dhanmondi Taqwa Mosjid; valiant freedom fighter Uday Sankar Chakraborty, general secretary of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Kurigram; Dharma Mitra Mahathero, head of the International Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka; and Archbihop Bejoy N D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka; also spoke at the event.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that a people-accountable and truly representative parliament elected by the people has begun its journey again in the country through the tears of countless victims of fascism and the sacrifice of thousands of lives. “At this historic moment of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad, I would like to express gratitude to the Almighty Allah, by whose infinite mercy, we have been able to begin our journey towards building a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the Leader of the House, made the remarks in his welcome speech while he was proposing the name of BNP’s senior leader and lawmaker from Cumilla-2 constituency Dr Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the House temporarily for the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by the Members of Parliament. In his speech, he paid tribute to all those who had been martyred in the struggle for democracy and rights, from the War of Independence in 1971 to the struggle to protect the country and its people in 2024.

At the beginning of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the premier also recalled with gratitude those who lost their children, near and dear ones and relatives, those injured people who had to loss their comfortable lives in the movement for democracy and human rights as well as those who lost everything due to torture, political harassment or false cases during the fascism.

In this connection, he mentioned the people from all walks of life—including students, farmers, workers, teachers, poets, writers, journalists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, craftsmen, fishermen, weavers, drivers, businesspeople, government and private employees, homemakers and leaders, activists and supporters of democratic political parties across the country —who endured repression, abduction, killings, torture and harassment.

The Prime Minister said even brutal detention centres described as “Ayna Ghar,” enforced disappearances and various forms of repression could not suppress their democratic aspirations. He said it was the courageous role of the people—especially the students and masses—that restored democracy in the country. At the start of the 13th Parliament’s journey, Tarique Rahman congratulated the democracy-loving and freedom-loving people of the country, particularly the students and the people who played a leading role to this end.

Addressing the lawmakers, the Prime Minister said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had established parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh and institutionalized the system to ensure people’s rights. Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, said but that democratic system was later turned into a mockery and the Jatiya Sangsad had been reduced to a subject of ridicule by establishing an authoritarian regime and exploitation in the country.

Noting that Begum Khaleda Zia fought until the last day of her life to restore parliamentary democracy and people’s rights, Tarique Rahman said but she (Khaleda Zia) never compromised with autocracy or fascism.

“That long-cherished parliamentary democracy began its journey once again in the country today, Alhamdulillah,” the Leader of the House said.

“The founder of parliamentary politics, Khaleda Zia, could not witness this auspicious moment in the success of the country and the people. Therefore, standing in this House, we remember with deep respect the late Khaleda Zia, an uncompromising leadership to protect the country and its people as well as a memorable, distinguished and exemplary political figure,” he said.

Citing a quote from Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman“If the people themselves become a political party, then I belong to that party”, he said this statement reflects that the interest of the people must come before the interests of individuals or parties, which is the core philosophy of BNP’s politics.

Stating that he has been elected as a member of parliament (MP) from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the first time and has also chosen as the parliamentary party leader, he said, “Although I represent (my) party in the Jatiya Sangsad, as the Prime Minister, I represent the entire country in this House”.

The premier stressed that his politics is about protecting the interests of the country and its people. “BNP’s politics is about improving people’s living standards and building a self-reliant Bangladesh. The goal of our politics is to make every family self-reliant,” he added.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Senior parliamentarian Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, who chaired the first sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad today, called upon the members of parliament to work together to strengthen the country’s democratic system, ensure transparency and uphold accountability in the country. Addressing the inaugural session, Mosharraf welcomed and congratulated the newly elected members of parliament, saying the new parliament marks a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey following the national election on February 12, 2026. He said the lawmakers have come to the parliament with the people’s mandate and bear a great responsibility to serve the nation.

“The active and responsible participation of all members will help make the renewed journey of democracy much more dynamic and prosperous,” he said. In this connection, he put emphasis on collective efforts to meet public expectations and establish good governance. Mosharraf, also a former Minister, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for giving him the opportunity to preside over the historic first sitting of the 13th parliament.

At the beginning of his speech, he paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War, the language movement activists, and those who sacrificed their lives in the long struggle for democracy. He also remembered those who were killed or injured in the July mass uprising, saying their sacrifices remind the nation that safeguarding freedom requires continuous commitment. Describing the recent national election as a ‘milestone’ for restoring democracy, Mosharraf said citizens were able to exercise their voting rights freely after many years.

He congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for forming the government for the fourth time and extended his greetings to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman.

He also congratulated Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for assuming the role of the opposition in parliament for the first time. During his remarks, Mosharraf paid rich tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the proclaimer of independence and a key figure in establishing multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

He also remembered former three-time prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, praising her role in restoring the parliamentary system in the country and continuing the struggle for democracy despite political challenges and imprisonment.

Mosharraf said the new parliament should work towards building a humane, inclusive and accountable state by ensuring justice for alleged human rights violations, strengthening judicial independence and preserving an impartial history of the Liberation War. Expressing optimism, he said the 13th parliament would play a constructive role in rebuilding state institutions and advancing the country through cooperation and mutual respect.

“The journey of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad begins today. Learning from the past, we will move Bangladesh forward on the path of development and progress,” he said.

SANGSAD BHABAN – The 13th Parliament has begun its journey with the beginning of its first session today, just a month after the February 12 general election, amid huge public expectations for a vibrant and effective Jatiya Sangsad. The maiden session of the newly formed parliament started at 11:05 am today with the introductory remarks from Secretary of Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat Kaniz Moula followed by recitation from the holy Quran and a welcome speech from Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

However, unlike in the past, the first session of the new parliament began with the Speaker’s chair vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (of the previous 12th parliament) are currently unavailable. At the outset of the session, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in his welcome speech nominated senior BNP leader and Cumilla-2 constituency lawmaker Dr Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the House temporarily for the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by the Members of Parliament.

Later, the party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir seconded the proposal which was also endorsed by the opposition Jamaat-e Islami lawmaker MA Taher. Following their elections, the sitting is likely to be adjourned briefly to allow the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker to take oath, which will be administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Then the sitting will resume with the newly elected Speaker or Deputy Speaker in the chair. During the first-day sitting of the session, the panel of chairmen for the first session will be announced.

A condolence motion will be placed and discussed, expressing profound grief at the death of three-time prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, former MPs and other noted personalities. The Law Minister is expected to place some 133 ordinances in the House (seeking endorsement of parliament) and several parliamentary committees such as the business advisory committee of parliament will be formed.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will deliver his speech in the House later in the day. The maiden session is most likely to be adjourned after another sitting on March 15 (Sunday next) before the Holy Eid-ul Fitr holidays. Earlier on yesterday, a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party chaired by Tarique Rahman was held at the ruling party’s meeting room at Sangsad Bhaban. Following the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the ruling party wants the 13th parliament to be effective and vibrant where problems will be resolved through discussion and debate.

“Our goal is to run an effective, vibrant and responsible parliament. We want an environment of constructive discussion, rational argument and healthy debate on national issues in parliament,” he said at a press briefing. He said a member nominated by the Prime Minister will temporarily preside over the House.

The Chief Whip said the BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) on Wednesday authorised the Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to decide the candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Parliament.

“We have entrusted the Leader of the House with the responsibility of deciding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He will take the decision, and we will know it tomorrow,” he said. He said the proceedings of today’s sitting will begin with the Speaker’s chair vacant. The session will start with recitation from the Holy Quran, he added.

After that, the Leader of the House will propose the name of a senior MP to preside over the sitting temporarily, which will be seconded by another MP. The nominated member will then preside over the session, said the Chief Whip.

Usually the first session of a new parliament begins with the Speaker of the previous parliament in chair and then the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker is held. Nurul Islam also said 133 ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before parliament on Thursday. Replying to a question, the Chief Whip said the Prime Minister showed “great generosity” by offering the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition.

“But we have not received any positive response from them so far. If we do, necessary steps will be taken accordingly,” he said. On February 23 last, President Mohammed Shahabuddin summoned the first session of the new parliament under the powers conferred by Article 72(1) of the Constitution. This session is both the inaugural sitting of the 13th Parliament and the first parliamentary session of 2026.

The parliamentary elections were held on February 12 last, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) winning it with two-thirds majority. The 13th parliamentary election was held in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies on February 12 as the election to Sherpur-3 constituency was postponed following the death of a candidate. The Election Commission of Bangladesh published the gazette notification on February 13, declaring results for 297 seats.

In the 297 constituencies, BNP won in 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami in 68, NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat.

Later, the newly elected MPs were sworn in on February 17 and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, took oath as MP from Dhaka-17 constituency, leaving Bogura-6 constituency for by-election. According to Article 72(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be summoned to meet within 30 days after the declaration of the results of polling at any general election.

The same article also states that unless sooner dissolved by the President, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the expiration of five years from the date of its first meeting. So, the five-year tenure of the 13th Parliament will officially commence with its first sitting on March 12.