Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began its first session on March 13, 2026, in the iconic Louis Kahn-designed Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The session opened without a sitting Speaker, prompting the appointment of Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain as presiding chair. Later, BNP leaders Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Kaiser Kamal were elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, after resigning from party and ministerial posts. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, returning from long exile, led the session, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman assumed the role of Opposition Leader.

The new parliament, formed after what was described as the fairest election in the country’s history, marks a shift from previous Awami League-led assemblies. It includes a large number of young and first-time lawmakers, as well as former student leaders from the 2024 mass uprising. The opposition staged a walkout during President Md. Shahabuddin’s address, protesting perceived betrayal of the July Revolution.

Foreign diplomats attended the opening session, with Australia’s High Commissioner congratulating Bangladesh on achieving a democratic milestone. The parliament now faces the historic responsibility of implementing the July Charter and constitutional reforms born from the 2024 uprising.