The newly elected MPs are entering Parliament to take their oath

The precincts of the National Parliament have begun welcoming the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) ahead of the formal swearing-in ceremony. From 9:00 am on Tuesday, 17 February, vehicles carrying the MPs started entering the parliamentary gates, marking the first stage of the historic event.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to commence at 10:00 am inside the parliamentary chamber, with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin administering the official oaths. In accordance with tradition, MPs from the majority party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will take their oaths first.

Historical Context

This marks the BNP leaders’ return to Parliament after a 15-year hiatus. The party had boycotted the 2014 and 2024 elections and, although participating in 2018, had withdrawn mid-day over allegations of vote rigging. However, the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on 12 February saw the BNP achieve an overwhelming victory.

Open-Air Oath Ceremony

In an unprecedented move in Bangladesh’s parliamentary history, the oath ceremony for the Prime Minister and cabinet members will take place in the open at the South Plaza of Parliament. Thousands of national and international guests have been invited to witness the event, reflecting the significance and grandeur of the occasion.

Security Arrangements

Comprehensive security measures have been implemented around the Parliament and its vicinity. All entering MPs are being checked against their national identity cards. Administrative and law enforcement agencies have been fully mobilised to ensure the smooth execution of the ceremony.

The Election Commission has coordinated with top officials, including the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Inspector General of Police (IGP), secretaries of all ministries, divisional commissioners, district commissioners (DCs), police superintendents (SPs), and directors of all law enforcement agencies, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Coast Guard.

International Representation

Dignitaries from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are attending the event. Confirmed attendees include:

The ceremony, blending tradition with unprecedented openness, is set to be a defining moment in Bangladesh’s democratic history, signalling the BNP’s formal return to parliamentary politics.