The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the 13th National Parliament election will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday (February 17) at the oath room of the জাতীয় সংসদ.
To take part in what is being described as a historic moment, newly elected MPs began entering the parliament complex from 9:00 am.
After a gap of 15 years, leaders of the বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল (বিএনপি) are returning to the parliament premises in a victorious capacity, marking what many see as the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political landscape.
The oath will be administered by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin.
According to sources at the Parliament Secretariat, a festive atmosphere has prevailed at the main entrances of the parliament complex since morning. Vehicles carrying MPs have been entering in an orderly manner, while identity cards and necessary documents are being checked for security reasons.
As per convention, MPs elected from the BNP, the majority party, will take the oath first. In the February 12 election, BNP won 209 seats, securing an absolute majority, and is set to form a government on its own for the first time in two decades.
Tight security measures have been put in place in and around the parliament area. A large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed, and drone flights have been banned.
Party leaders and activists of BNP, returning to parliament after a long hiatus, were seen expressing emotion and enthusiasm. The party had boycotted the 2014 and 2024 elections and rejected the results of the 2018 election alleging irregularities. This time, it returns to parliament with overwhelming public support.
Through today’s oath-taking, the MPs will formally assume their responsibilities as lawmakers. Following the ceremony, a parliamentary party meeting will be held at noon. Later in the afternoon, the swearing-in of the new cabinet is scheduled to take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister.
According to the July Charter, after taking the oath, the MPs will also serve as members of the Constitution Reform Council. The newly formed parliament, comprising both senior and young members, is now expected to play a significant role in constitutional reform and national development.
