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.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across eight divisions, including Dhaka, over the coming days. The forecast, issued on March 11, 2026, also warned that Rajshahi, Jessore, and Sylhet regions may experience temporary gusty or squally winds along with rain. River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one.

According to the department, a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, scattered rain or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely to occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

The forecast also indicated that daytime temperatures across the country may drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

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.

A global oil shortage triggered by aggression in Iran by Israel and the United States has disrupted fuel supply in Bangladesh, raising concerns over launch operations at Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal. Launch owners reported receiving only 50,000 to 60,000 liters of fuel daily against a demand of 250,000 to 300,000 liters, forcing a reduction in long-distance services. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Owners Association said it has sought government intervention to maintain normal operations.

Fuel suppliers under the Bangladesh River Fuel Trade Association said Meghna Petroleum and Jamuna Petroleum depots in Fatullah were providing 60–70 percent less fuel than required. The shortage has already reduced launch trips to southern regions. Meghna Petroleum officials confirmed limited supply due to government restrictions on agent-based distribution.

The Ministry of Shipping acknowledged the crisis and said high-level discussions are underway to restore supply. Ahead of Eid, authorities plan to strengthen Sadarghat’s security with 60 CCTV cameras and introduce new launch routes from Bosila and Kanchan-Shimuliaghat to ease passenger pressure.

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.

A severe mosquito infestation has spread across Dhaka, with residents reporting unbearable bites in homes, streets, and open spaces. The surge has raised fears of dengue, chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Citizens allege that despite the worsening situation, Dhaka’s two city corporations have failed to take visible and effective action. They argue that regular fogging and sanitation could have prevented the crisis, while city officials claim that multiple control measures are already underway.

According to the report, three mosquito species—Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles—are prevalent in the capital. The dry season’s rising temperatures have accelerated Culex breeding, while stagnant and polluted water in drains and ponds has worsened the problem. Areas such as Badda, Rampura, Malibagh, Shahbagh, and Uttara are among the hardest hit. Residents describe using coils, aerosols, and nets without relief, blaming poor drainage and waste management for the infestation.

Dhaka South City Corporation has launched a month-long cleanliness and “crash program” to control mosquitoes, while Dhaka North officials emphasize public awareness and continuous monitoring as essential for sustainable control.

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.

Riya Akter, 25, who was undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, died on Wednesday afternoon following severe injuries from a gas cylinder explosion in Turag’s Kamarpara Bamnartek area. Her death raised the death toll from the March 6 fire incident to three. Hospital sources confirmed that Riya suffered burns on about 32 percent of her body and severe respiratory injuries, which ultimately proved fatal despite intensive care.

The explosion occurred early on March 6 when a gas leak is believed to have caused a buildup inside a house, igniting as someone lit a stove. The fire spread rapidly, injuring ten people, including women and children. Two victims had already died earlier, and seven others remain hospitalized, several in critical condition. Doctors said the injured are under close observation due to extensive burns and airway damage.

Fire Service and local police are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though initial reports suggest a gas leak from a cooking cylinder.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) officials said there is little chance of a major diesel shortage in Bangladesh despite global concerns over fuel supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East. The country regularly imports diesel from multiple sources, including India, which recently began pumping a 5,000-ton shipment under an existing agreement. The small consignment drew disproportionate attention in Bangladeshi and Indian media, though India’s share of Bangladesh’s total diesel imports remains below 14 percent.

According to BPC data, Bangladesh’s annual diesel demand is around 4.4 million tons, with daily consumption averaging 12,000 tons. About 63 percent of the country’s total fuel use is diesel, mainly for agriculture, transport, and inland shipping. To maintain supply stability, Bangladesh imports through international tenders from Singapore, Malaysia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, among others. The Maitree pipeline from India’s Numaligarh refinery to Parbatipur was completed in 2022 to facilitate cross-border supply.

BPC officials said new tenders have been invited to diversify import sources further, including from Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and possibly the United States, ensuring continued supply security despite regional tensions.

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the first match of their three-match ODI series held in Mirpur on March 12, 2026. Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 runs in 30.4 overs, with only the opening and final partnerships offering brief resistance. Bangladesh comfortably chased the target in 15.1 overs, finishing at 115 for 2. Opener Tanzid Tamim remained unbeaten on 67 off 42 balls, guiding the team to victory well before the scheduled break.

The match was dominated by Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Nahid Rana, who took five wickets for 24 runs in seven overs. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz added three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman also contributed. Pakistan’s batting collapsed after a steady start, with eight partnerships ending in single digits. The visitors’ decision to field four debutants backfired as their batting lineup faltered.

With this emphatic win, Bangladesh took a 1–0 lead in the series and moved within one victory of clinching it. The second ODI is scheduled for March 13.