A constitutional and political impasse has emerged in Bangladesh over who will administer the oath to newly elected members of parliament following the 13th national election held on 12 February 2026. The Law Ministry has proposed securing bail or parole for detained Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku so he can conduct the ceremony, but the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected taking the oath from anyone associated with the former Awami League government. If no alternative is found, the MPs may take their oath before Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin within three days of the gazette publication, as permitted by the constitution.

The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has been consulting with legal and constitutional experts to resolve the issue. The Speaker’s post remains vacant following Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury’s resignation after the 2024 uprising, while Tuku remains imprisoned on charges of crimes against humanity. The Law Ministry and the Prime Adviser’s Office have held multiple meetings to explore legal options, including authorizing the Chief Justice or a presidential appointee to administer the oath.

The parliamentary secretariat has completed all preparations for the ceremony, and the interim government aims to transfer power to the new administration before Ramadan, with BNP planning to form the government by 15 February.