The first session of the 13th National Parliament is set to begin on Thursday, with the government and opposition taking opposing positions over the President’s planned address.
The government has said that President Mohammed Shahabuddin will deliver the speech in the opening session, describing it as a long-standing parliamentary tradition.
However, opposition leaders have questioned the legitimacy of the move, claiming that the president has no authority to address the parliament in this manner.
Opposition deputy leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said:
“The president has no right to deliver a speech in the parliamentary session. Why the BNP is pursuing this move is not understandable.”
Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), urged the ruling side to take constitutional steps inside parliament.
“The government party BNP must arrange the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council and initiate the process to remove the current president and elect a new one.”
Opposition leaders also indicated that Jamaat intends to play a responsible role in parliament, adding that legal action would only be taken if absolutely necessary.
Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat would aim to act constructively rather than oppose every issue blindly.
“We will play the role of a responsible opposition. We will not oppose everything, nor support anything without understanding it.”
He added that people in Bangladesh have long felt the absence of an effective parliament, citing one-sided governments, controlled opposition, and partial elections that made previous parliaments largely ineffective.
According to political leaders, the recent political change following the mass uprising has revived parliamentary politics after a long time.
In the current parliament, the experienced BNP is leading the government, while Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) are taking on opposition roles for the first time.
Many observers and citizens hope that members of parliament will ensure a vibrant and effective legislature, and that the 13th National Parliament will mark a new milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
