Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Encourages Bipartisan Cooperation in Bangladesh's 13th Parliament Opening
Synopsis
In a call for unity, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urges collaboration among all political factions during the inaugural session of Bangladesh's 13th Parliament. He emphasizes the importance of building a self-reliant and democratic nation, while opposition lawmakers express dissent, marking a contentious start.
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman calls for unity among all political factions.
The inaugural session of the 13th Parliament highlights the need for bipartisan cooperation.
Opposition protests signify a challenging political environment ahead.
Newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker are expected to represent all members fairly.
Rahman's vision includes making every family self-reliant.
Dhaka, March 12 (NationPress) - As Bangladesh's newly-elected parliament commenced its inaugural session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged both citizens and MPs, including the opposition, to foster collaboration for a self-sufficient, thriving, secure, and democratic nation, according to local reports.
During his welcome address at the opening of the 13th Parliament, Rahman expressed, “Our political aspiration is to ensure that every family becomes self-reliant. The BNP envisions a Bangladesh that is self-sufficient, prosperous, safe, and democratic.”
He emphasized that realizing this vision necessitates the backing and cooperation of the populace across the nation.
“In this esteemed National Parliament, I anticipate support and collaboration from every elected MP, regardless of party affiliation,” he stressed, highlighting the importance of making the 13th National Parliament impactful, effective, and dynamic through debates and constructive dialogue.
Earlier, during the session's commencement, lawmakers from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Barrister Kayser Kamal, were elected unanimously as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Following their election, Rahman remarked, “This Parliament belongs to the people of Bangladesh… citizens who cherish independence and democracy are looking at this Parliament with hope.”
Extending his congratulations to the newly elected leaders, the PM noted that they no longer represent any political party and assured that all members will be treated fairly, referring to them as “the stewards of this Parliament.”
“For the benefit of the people, we aim to make this Parliament significant. We should avoid opposing merely for opposition's sake. Instead, we should engage in reasoned discussions and debates to enliven and enhance this House,” he added.
In a contrasting move, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against President Mohammed Shahabuddin's constitutionally mandated address, which marked the start of the session, as reported by UNB.
As the Prime Minister and ruling party members stood to welcome the President, the opposition indicated their dissent by remaining seated.
This action was perceived as an early challenge to the smooth functioning of the House, potentially undermining parliamentary decorum and constitutional integrity.
Point of View
The opening session of Bangladesh's 13th Parliament showcased Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment to fostering collaboration across political lines. His emphasis on a self-reliant nation underscores a vision that transcends party politics. However, the opposition's protest indicates a challenging atmosphere ahead that could affect legislative progress.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main message from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the session?
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for support and cooperation from all citizens and MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to build a self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.
Who were elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the parliament?
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Barrister Kayser Kamal from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party were unanimously elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
What was the reaction of opposition lawmakers during the session?
Opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against President Mohammed Shahabuddin's address, indicating dissent and challenging the session's decorum.
