13th Jatiya Sangsad’s first session today

The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will begin at 11am today (12 March).

The BNP Parliamentary Party held a meeting yesterday (11 March) to finalise its candidates for the posts of speaker and deputy speaker ahead of the first session of the 13th Parliament.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has temporarily declined a verbal proposal from the ruling BNP to elect a deputy speaker from the opposition in the 13th National Parliament.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who summoned the parliamentary session earlier on 23 February to be held today, will deliver the presidential address.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said several ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before parliament during the session.

“A condolence motion will also be presented,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking to journalists after a meeting of the opposition parliamentary committee at the National Parliament building yesterday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the party did not seek the deputy speaker position.

“The party will take a decision on the matter after discussions on the July Charter in parliament,” he added.

Chief whip seeks constructive role of opposition

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni expressed his desire for a vibrant and effective parliament.

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday, he stressed the importance of resolving all issues through discussion and hoped for constructive cooperation from the opposition to improve people’s quality of life.

Moni emphasised that the parliament is not just a constitutional body, but a symbol of the rights, dignity, and democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.

Traffic diversions announced in Dhaka

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will implement temporary diversions between 8am and 11am in several key areas of the capital today to facilitate the movement of dignitaries attending the first session of the Jatiya Sangsad.

During the period, traffic is expected to increase significantly in areas including Urojahaj Mor, Khejurbagan, Manik Mia Avenue, Asad Gate, and the crossing near the July Smriti Museum (Gonobhaban).

According to a press release, vehicles travelling from Indira Road towards Begum Rokeya Sarani via Urojahaj Mor will not be allowed to turn right.

Instead, they will proceed straight along Manik Mia Avenue and use Mirpur Road to reach their destinations. Similarly, vehicles heading from Manik Mia Avenue towards Begum Rokeya Sarani via Khejurbagan will not be permitted to turn left and will instead travel through Farmgate.

The road from Urojahaj Mor to Khejurbagan will also operate as a one-way route for southbound traffic during the period. 

The parliament secretariat has completed preparations for today’s opening session. The chamber and offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the House, and Opposition Leader were readied after renovation work to repair damage caused during the 5 August 2024 student-led uprising.