The National Parliament complex at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka is undergoing extensive preparations to welcome the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs), marking the formal commencement of the Thirteenth Jatiya Sangsad. Designed by the celebrated American architect Louis I. Kahn, the National Parliament House remains one of the most iconic examples of modernist architecture in South Asia. In anticipation of the oath-taking ceremony, the complex is being readied through comprehensive cleaning, refurbishment and technical upgrades.
According to parliamentary sources, arrangements at the South Plaza are nearly complete. A temporary stage has been erected, seating installed for hundreds of guests, and advanced sound systems fitted to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings. Separate zones have been designated for members of the press, while enhanced security measures—including additional deployments of law enforcement personnel—are being put in place.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the South Plaza. Under the Constitution, elected members must take their oath within three days of the official gazette notification of election results. In compliance with this requirement, the Election Commission published the gazette for 297 of the 299 parliamentary seats on Friday night. Elections in two constituencies were either postponed or remain unresolved; therefore, their gazette notifications are yet to be issued.
Officials at the National Parliament Secretariat have confirmed that members’ offices inside the complex are being repainted and refurbished. Damaged sections of the building—reportedly affected during recent political unrest—are being repaired on an expedited basis to ensure full operational readiness.
Kaniz Mowla, Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, informed the media that the swearing-in of MPs will take place in the morning, followed by the oath ceremony of the new Cabinet at 4 p.m. at the same venue. A senior government official has confirmed that the Cabinet will be formed under the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Election Results Overview
The general election has significantly altered the country’s political landscape. The BNP secured an absolute majority, while the opposition benches will be occupied by an alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
| Party/Alliance | Seats Won | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) | 209 | Forming Government |
| Jamaat-led 11-Party Alliance | 77 | Opposition |
| Independents & Others | 11 | Independent |
With 209 seats, the BNP comfortably surpasses the 151-seat threshold required for a majority in the 300-member parliament. Political analysts suggest that this decisive mandate will grant the new government considerable leverage in policy formulation and legislative reform. At the same time, the presence of a sizeable opposition bloc is expected to invigorate parliamentary debate and oversight.
As preparations reach their final stages, the historic Parliament complex once again stands ready to witness a pivotal democratic transition—ushering in a new chapter in Bangladesh’s parliamentary governance.