On Tuesday, 17 February, the newly elected members of the Thirteenth National Parliament of Bangladesh formally took their oaths of office. The ceremony was conducted by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, marking a departure from the traditional practice where oaths are administered by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. The unusual arrangement arose due to the absence of a sitting parliament and speaker following the 2024 student-led public uprising, compelling the Chief Election Commissioner to assume this responsibility.
The swearing-in commenced around 10:45 a.m., beginning with members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Subsequently, members from the 11-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami, other parties, and independent MPs took their oaths. Normally, this process is completed within three days of the official announcement of election results or publication in the government gazette.
Parliamentary Benefits and Allowances
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh are entitled not only to legislative authority but also to a range of financial allowances and facilities. As of 2026, these benefits are as follows:
| Allowance / Facility | Amount (BDT) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | 55,000 | Regular salary |
| Constituency Allowance | 12,500 | For district and upazila development |
| Honorarium Allowance | 5,000 | General recognition |
| Duty-Free Car Import | – | Eligible for personal vehicle import |
| Monthly Transport Allowance | 70,000 | For vehicle and travel costs |
| Constituency Office Expenses | 15,000 | Office operation and local work |
| Laundry Allowance | 1,500 | Monthly personal laundry costs |
| Crockery & Toiletries | 6,000 | For daily use |
| Annual Travel Expenses | 120,000 | Domestic travel costs |
| Discretionary Fund | 500,000 | Independent use for constituency projects |
| Telephone Allowance | 7,800 | Monthly phone costs |
| Parliamentary Hostel | – | Accommodation for MPs |
Beyond these standard allowances, MPs received a bulk allocation of BDT 40 million annually between 2015 and 2019, up from the previous BDT 20 million. According to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), these funds are exclusively used for local development projects, with MPs exercising full discretion over project selection.
Authority and Influence of MPs
In addition to lawmaking, MPs wield significant influence over administrative and executive functions at the local level. They play a central role in distributing benefits from nearly 40 programmes, including food aid, elderly pensions, and social safety initiatives. Their authority often extends to educational and healthcare institutions, local job appointments, and oversight of administrative and police activities.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, noted, “The power of MPs is not limited to legislation; they are pivotal in local development, social security, and administrative processes.”
Thus, a Bangladeshi MP is not only a legislator with a government salary and allowances but also a key figure shaping local development and governance, commanding substantial influence in both policy and practice.