The 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh officially began its first session on Thursday, 12 March 2026, heralding the start of a new legislative term under the recently elected government. The session commenced at 11:00 am with a recitation of the Holy Quran, lending a solemn and formal tone to the proceedings.
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Key Leadership Appointments
During the opening session, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was elected Speaker, while Barrister Qaiser Kamal assumed the role of Deputy Speaker. The oaths were administered by President Md. Sahabuddin, officially formalising the leadership of the 13th Parliament.
In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, senior parliamentarian Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain presided over the proceedings, ensuring adherence to parliamentary protocol and maintaining the decorum of the chamber.
Front Row Seating: Hierarchy and Leadership
The front row on the government bench—to the right of the Speaker—was occupied by key leaders of the ruling party, highlighting both executive authority and party prominence.
| Seat | Name | Position / Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarek Rahman | Parliament Leader & Prime Minister |
| 2 | Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | BNP Secretary General & Minister of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives |
| 3 | Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury | Minister of Finance & Planning |
| 4 | Salahuddin Ahmed | Minister of Home Affairs |
| 5 | Dr. Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain | BNP Standing Committee Member, MP, Comilla-1 |
| 6 | Gayeshwar Chandra Roy | BNP Standing Committee Member, MP, Dhaka-3 |
| 7 | Dr. Abdul Moin Khan | BNP Standing Committee Member, MP, Narsingdi-Polash |
| 8 | Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku | Minister of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources, BNP Standing Committee Member |
| 9 | Dr. A J M Zahid Hossain | Minister of Social Welfare & Women and Children, BNP Standing Committee Member |
This arrangement reflects the careful balance of party hierarchy, ministerial responsibility, and parliamentary seniority, ensuring that prominent figures occupy the most visible and influential positions during debates.
Inaugural Proceedings
The session was formally initiated by Parliament Secretary Kaniz Maula. Parliament Leader Tarek Rahman entered the chamber at 10:55 am, receiving warm applause and congratulations from both government and opposition MPs, marking his first official entry as a parliamentarian.
During the opening, Rahman proposed Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain as presiding officer for the session. The motion received unanimous support from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and was endorsed by the opposition deputy leader, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher of Jamaat. Following ceremonial protocol, Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain was escorted to the Speaker’s chair, officially presiding over the inaugural session.
Historical Context
The previous session of Parliament concluded on 3 July 2024, following the presentation and passage of the 2024–25 national budget. Subsequent political unrest, including widespread student and public movements, led to the fall of the Awami League government. An interim administration oversaw preparations for elections held on 12 February 2026, resulting in a decisive BNP majority, with MPs sworn in on 17 February 2026.
Under constitutional authority, President Md. Sahabuddin convened the first session of the 13th Parliament on 23 February 2026, with the Secretariat later publishing the official schedule. This session not only marks the opening of the 13th Parliament but also serves as the first legislative session of 2026, during which the President delivered the annual address to the nation.
This session highlights the procedural continuity of the Bangladeshi legislature, establishes the seating hierarchy of the ruling party, and sets the tone for governance and parliamentary engagement in the coming years.