Special Correspondent : Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said on Sunday that the newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament will be sworn in on Tuesday (February 17) at 10 am. This follows the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the historic “Yes” vote in the July Charter referendum held last Thursday.
Briefing reporters at the ministry, Dr. Nazrul stated that, given the current constitutional circumstances, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin is expected to administer the oath to the new lawmakers. Following the ceremony, the majority party is scheduled to meet between 11:30 am and 12 pm to officially elect its parliamentary leader. The transition of power will culminate in a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at 4 pm on the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the incoming Prime Minister—expected to be BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman—and the new cabinet members. Dr. Nazrul emphasized that the choice of the South Plaza as the venue is deeply symbolic, intended to honor the legacy of the July 2024 mass uprising.
“My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain, and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” he remarked.
The adviser noted that the South Plaza holds significant emotional weight for the nation, particularly following the proclamation of the July Declaration and the July Charter. He also recalled that the site is associated with national figures, adding, “The South Plaza of this parliament is particularly memorable to us for various reasons. The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi.”
According to Nazrul, the proposal for the South Plaza venue was initially made by the BNP, and the interim government facilitated the arrangement to reflect the site’s status as a landmark for the student-led movement.Regarding the invitees, the Law Adviser mentioned that foreign ministers of SAARC countries have been notified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, though he had no confirmed information regarding the attendance of any heads of government, such as the Indian Prime Minister.
Nazrul also held a final farewell meeting with the current interim administration earlier on Sunday, reflecting on their tenure. When asked if he would be included in the new cabinet, he dismissed the speculation, stating, “There is no question at all.”
