The fourth session of the 13th National Parliament began on Monday afternoon, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Following the Speaker's welcome address, a panel of chairpersons was nominated for the current session.
Panel of Chairpersons
The nominated members are Md. Shahjahan (Noakhali-4), Sarwar Jamal Nizam (Chattogram-12), Muhammad Nawshad Jamir (Panchagarh-1), Shahjahan Chowdhury (Chattogram-15), and reserved women's seat member Rasheda Begum Hira. In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the senior-most member on this list will preside over the House proceedings.
Speaker's Opening Remarks
In his opening speech, the Speaker called upon lawmakers to play a responsible role in fulfilling public expectations while upholding parliamentary norms, decency, and mutual respect. "The beauty of parliamentary democracy lies in the coexistence of dissent and diverse paths. Seeking solutions through dialogue and prioritising national interests is our collective duty," he said.
The Speaker stated that the National Parliament is the highest institutional expression of the people's sovereignty, democratic aspirations, and public opinion. He noted that Bangladesh's struggle for democracy and voting rights has been long and eventful, with citizens repeatedly demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and resolve in establishing democratic rights.
Context and Reactions
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed remarked that the Awami League government had trampled democracy through 17 years of sham elections, injustice, oppression, and extrajudicial killings. He said the July 24 mass uprising marked a renewed march of democracy in the country, adding that genuine development is impossible without democracy.
Referring to the extensive public expectations from the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin said the Constitution's dignity must be upheld with respect for the people's mandate, along with establishing the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and protecting citizens' rights.
Condolence Motions
Following the panel nomination, the House adopted condolence motions for four former lawmakers and one former constituent assembly member. Tributes were paid to former constituent assembly member and freedom fighter Abu Taher Abdul Muntakim, former BNP lawmakers Salahuddin Ahmed and Abdul Hai, former Awami League lawmaker Monwar Hossain Chowdhury, and freedom fighter journalist Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman.
Condolences were also expressed for the mothers of Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid and Mymensingh-1 lawmaker Mohammad Salman Omar, as well as for writer, researcher and intellectual Professor Saidur Rahman, distinguished journalist Amir Khasru, and those killed in accidents at various locations in the country and abroad.
