Barrister Kaiser Kamal has been elected Deputy Speaker of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The first session of the new parliament began on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., presided over by BNP Standing Committee member Mosharraf Hossain. Earlier, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram was elected Speaker. The nomination of Kaiser Kamal was proposed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, supported by Mirza Fakhrul Islam, and seconded by Abdullah Md. Taher on behalf of the opposition leader.

The 13th parliamentary session follows significant political changes in Bangladesh. The previous 12th Parliament was dissolved after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising. The 13th general election was held on February 12, 2026, under an interim government, resulting in a two-thirds majority for the BNP, which formed the new government. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats and became the main opposition, while the banned Awami League has no representation in the current parliament.

According to the constitution, the first parliamentary session must be convened within 30 days of the election results, and President Md. Shahabuddin called the session accordingly on March 12.

The first session of Bangladesh’s new parliament faced a temporary disruption on Thursday when a technical fault in the main sound system caused a microphone failure. The session, which began shortly after 11 a.m., was suspended for 20 minutes before resuming. Senior BNP lawmaker Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain initially presided, during which Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Kaiser Kamal were elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. President Md. Shahabuddin administered their oaths during the break.

When the session resumed around 12:45 p.m., Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed encountered sound issues while addressing the chamber and switched to a handheld microphone. He thanked members for electing him unopposed and urged patience as technicians worked to fix the problem. Officials from the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Parliament Secretariat were seen consulting with the Speaker during the disruption.

After the noon prayer call, the Speaker announced a 20-minute recess. The session restarted at 1:30 p.m., with the Speaker confirming that the malfunction had been resolved and delivering his remarks again from the beginning.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram has been elected Speaker of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The first session of the new parliament began at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, presided over initially by BNP Standing Committee member Mosharraf Hossain. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman proposed Hafiz Uddin Ahmed’s name, which was supported by Mirza Fakhrul Islam and opposition representative Abdullah Md. Taher.

The 13th parliamentary session follows the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, after a student and public uprising. The 12th Parliament was subsequently dissolved, and elections for the 13th Parliament were held on February 12, 2026, under an interim government. The BNP formed the government with a two-thirds majority, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats as the main opposition. The Awami League, whose activities remain banned, has no representation in the current parliament.

According to the constitution, the first parliamentary session must be convened within 30 days of election results. President Md. Shahabuddin called the session in compliance with this requirement.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began on Thursday at 11 a.m., with President Md. Shahabuddin scheduled to address the session at 2 p.m. According to the Parliament Secretariat, his speech is expected to last about 40 minutes. The session was convened in accordance with the constitutional requirement to call Parliament within 30 days of the election results being announced.

The 13th Parliament convened roughly one month after the election results were declared. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government with a two-thirds majority, securing 209 seats. Its main rival was an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. In the election, Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured six.

A total of 50 registered political parties participated in the election, and nine of them are represented in Parliament. Among the smaller parties, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish has two members, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh, BJP, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Khelafat Majlish each have one. There are also seven independent members.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered his first address at the inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament on March 12, 2026. In his speech, he paid tribute to all martyrs from the 1971 liberation struggle to the present and remembered his late mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He stated that Khaleda Zia fought for democracy until her last day and never compromised with autocracy or fascism. He also expressed respect for the late President Ziaur Rahman.

The Prime Minister emphasized that he represents the people of Bangladesh beyond party lines and declared that making every family self-reliant is the goal of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He called for collective cooperation to achieve this objective and asserted that there should be no disagreement in building a self-reliant nation.

The parliamentary session also saw the formation of five committees, including the parliamentary advisory committee, and was adjourned until Sunday.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Mosharraf Hossain. The session commenced after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman proposed his name, which was supported by Mirza Fakhrul Islam and opposition leader representative Abdullah Md. Taher. President Md. Shahabuddin convened the session in accordance with the constitutional requirement to hold a parliamentary meeting within 30 days of the election results.

The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12, 2026, under an interim government, about one and a half years after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising. The BNP formed the government with a two-thirds majority, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats and became the main opposition. The Awami League, which was banned from political activities, did not participate in the election and has no representation in the new parliament.

The session marks the formal beginning of legislative activities under the new BNP-led government following the political transition.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began its proceedings on March 12, 2026, marking a historic session with several unprecedented features. The parliament was formed following the February 12 national election, held 18 months after the July uprising that toppled the Awami League government. For the first time in the country’s history, the Awami League did not participate in the election and has no representation in the new parliament. A total of 296 members have taken oath, with 227 serving as first-time lawmakers, while elections in three constituencies remain pending due to death, legal issues, and a by-election.

Analysts note that most members lack practical experience in parliamentary procedures, lawmaking, and committee operations. The article explains key parliamentary terms such as quorum, bill, point of order, floor crossing, walkout, and expunge to help both new lawmakers and citizens understand legislative processes. It also highlights the absence of a sitting Speaker, as the previous Speaker resigned after the fall of the former government.

According to the Chief Whip, the first session will be chaired by a person nominated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman until the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The session was convened by President Md. Shahabuddin within the constitutional 30-day limit following the February 12 election, which brought the BNP to power with a two-thirds majority. The Jamaat-e-Islami–led alliance secured 77 seats and became the main opposition. The session opened without a speaker or deputy speaker, as both previous officeholders were unavailable, and a senior member was expected to preside temporarily.

Tensions surfaced before the session between the ruling BNP and the opposition over constitutional reform, the July National Charter implementation, and the deputy speaker’s selection. Disagreement also arose regarding the president’s address to parliament. The opposition hinted it might boycott the address but had not confirmed its stance.

Despite the friction, both sides publicly pledged to make the new parliament effective. The BNP’s chief whip emphasized cooperation and dialogue, while opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman promised constructive criticism and accountability. The government invited the opposition to propose a deputy speaker candidate, but the opposition demanded full implementation of the July reform package instead.

Security has been strengthened in and around the Bangladesh Parliament complex ahead of the first session of the 13th National Assembly. Authorities have banned all types of gatherings, processions, and rallies in the area. On Thursday morning, a large number of law enforcement personnel were deployed, and the entire zone was placed under multiple layers of security involving police, Rapid Action Battalion, and intelligence agencies.

According to a notice from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the restrictions took effect from midnight Wednesday, prohibiting the carrying of weapons, explosives, or any harmful substances, as well as any form of public demonstration. To manage traffic during the session, diversions were implemented from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on specific roads near the Parliament. Vehicles from Indira Road toward Begum Rokeya Sarani are required to use alternate routes via Manik Mia Avenue and Mirpur Road.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police urged residents to follow the temporary traffic guidelines to avoid congestion and cooperate during the parliamentary session period.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament begins its first session on March 12, 2026, with the Speaker’s chair vacant. The session, convened by President Md. Shahabuddin, follows the February 12 election held under an interim government, in which the BNP secured a two-thirds majority and formed the new government. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats and will serve as the main opposition, while the banned Awami League has no representation.

Due to the resignation of former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and the imprisonment of Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, the opening meeting will be presided over by a senior member proposed by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman. The session will begin with Quran recitation, followed by the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker. After their swearing-in, the new Speaker will preside over the session.

The agenda includes a condolence motion on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and presentation of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government. The President will address the Parliament later in the day, marking the formal start of the new legislative term.

Following the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police, attention has turned to the selection of the next commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the country’s largest and most critical police unit. The position became vacant after Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali resigned on February 25, and senior officials have confirmed that a new appointment will be made soon. The selection file is currently with the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to police headquarters sources, three Additional Inspector Generals are being considered for the post: Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Sardar Nurul Amin, and Hasib Aziz. Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, serving in logistics and asset acquisition, is reportedly leading the race. Sardar Nurul Amin, from the HRM and Development division, and Hasib Aziz, the current Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner, are also strong contenders. All three belong to the 15th BCS police cadre.

Officials indicated that the government seeks a capable and trusted officer to lead the DMP, which employs about 32,000 personnel and faces constant challenges in maintaining law and order in the capital.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament begins today, Thursday, March 12, 2026, but political tensions have already escalated between the ruling BNP and the opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Disagreements over the July National Charter implementation, the Constitutional Reform Council oath, and the president’s scheduled speech have created friction, raising the possibility of an opposition walkout on the opening day.

The government and opposition remain divided over how to implement the July Charter, which followed a national referendum. The opposition insists on full implementation of all four referendum points and has taken dual oaths as both council and parliament members, while the government plans to proceed with only agreed sections through constitutional amendment. Disputes also continue over the deputy speaker’s post and the legitimacy of President Md. Shahabuddin’s address, which some opposition leaders reject.

The session marks the end of a one-and-a-half-decade of one-sided parliaments. Despite BNP’s two-thirds majority, the opposition holds 77 seats and has pledged constructive participation. The session will begin with the election of a new speaker and deputy speaker, followed by the president’s address and presentation of 133 ordinances issued by the interim government.

Spain has decided to recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv and appoint a chargé d’affaires instead, effectively reducing its diplomatic representation in Israel. According to Reuters, the decision was published in the Spanish government’s official gazette on Wednesday.

Spain has been one of the strongest critics of the United States and Israel over their attacks on Iran, a stance that has angered U.S. President Donald Trump. The Spanish government also refused to allow the use of its joint bases in Morón and Rota for the strikes on Iran. In response, Trump reportedly called Spain “annoying” and threatened to impose a full trade embargo on the country.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Spain’s position, saying that one illegal act cannot be answered with another, as such actions lead to major human tragedies. Spain has also been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in the Gaza war and remains one of Europe’s leading supporters of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has strongly criticized President Donald Trump for his handling of the ongoing military campaign in Iran, launched jointly by the United States and Israel under the banner of regime change. Speaking in the Senate on March 10, Schumer accused the administration of issuing contradictory statements about the war and demanded that senior officials testify publicly before Congress.

Schumer questioned Trump’s conflicting remarks about whether the Iran operation was nearing its end or escalating toward more intense fighting. He also dismissed Trump’s claim that an Iranian Tomahawk missile was responsible for a deadly attack on a primary school that killed 175 civilians, calling the assertion absurd. Schumer further challenged Trump’s statement that Iran possesses Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Democratic leader called for a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the civilian casualties and warned that the conflict was already affecting the global economy, particularly through rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to testify before Congress to explain the administration’s actions in the Middle East.

Iran has proposed ending the ongoing war against US-Israeli attacks on two conditions: compensation for damages and an international guarantee preventing future aggression. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the proposal on social media platform X, stating that he had spoken with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to regional peace.

Pezeshkian emphasized that the war could only end if Iran’s legitimate rights were recognized, compensation was paid, and firm international guarantees were established against future hostilities. He accused the United States and the Zionist government of igniting the current conflict.

Analysts noted that Iran’s conditions could further complicate the political dimensions of the war and add new pressure to ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.