13th Jatiya Sangsad

Party-wise distribution of seats

First

The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad was convened on 12 March 2026 at the parliament chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, following the general election held on 12 February 2026. The session was summoned by President Mohammed Shahabuddin in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which requires the President to call the first sitting of a newly elected parliament.^[4]

The opening sitting marked the formal commencement of the legislative term of the new parliament. Newly elected members attended the session to begin parliamentary proceedings after the publication of election results and the administration of their oaths. One of the principal procedural matters during the session was the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of parliament, who subsequently assumed responsibility for presiding over the proceedings of the House.^[5]

The session also included the President’s address to Parliament, which traditionally outlines the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the upcoming term. After the address, MPs are expected to hold discussions and pass a motion of thanks. Additionally, several ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government were scheduled to be placed before the House for approval or rejection, as the Constitution requires Parliament to decide on such ordinances within a limited time after its first sitting.^[6]

Politically, the session began following the formation of a new government led by Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister and Leader of the House, while Shafiqur Rahman served as Leader of the Opposition. The new parliament also faced early policy discussions, including matters related to constitutional reforms proposed after the recent political transition.^[7]