Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Elected Speaker of the 13th Parliament
The session commenced today, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM, presided over by Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. The election marks a significant moment in the country's legislative history as the new parliament begins its formal journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The election process was straightforward and conducted through a voice vote. Member of Parliament Nurul Islam formally proposed the name of Hafiz Uddin Ahmed for the speakership, while MP Rokibul Islam seconded the motion. As there were no other contestants for the position, the proposal was passed unanimously with a resounding "Aye." Following his election, the new Speaker was escorted to his chair, where he expressed his commitment to maintaining the neutrality and dignity of the House.
Leadership Roles: Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip
Alongside the Speaker’s election, the leadership structure of the treasury bench has taken a clearer shape with key appointments for the Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip positions.
The name of Barrister Kayser Kamal, the Member of Parliament for Netrokona-1 and the Legal Affairs Secretary of the BNP, is the most prominent candidate for the Deputy Speaker post. His potential appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring legal expertise to the parliamentary chair. Meanwhile, Nurul Islam Moni, the MP from Barguna-2, has been confirmed as the Chief Whip of the 13th Parliament. Moni, a seasoned organizer, will be responsible for ensuring party discipline and managing the government's legislative business within the House.
The first day of the session also saw the presence of the 11-party opposition alliance, led by Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. While the opposition has expressed reservations regarding the President's address, the smooth election of the Speaker suggests a functional start to the legislative term. The Prime Minister is expected to formally introduce his cabinet and outline the government's immediate legislative priorities, including the "31-Point" reform agenda, in the coming days.
