The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally begun its new term in office after securing an absolute majority in the 13th National Parliament elections, with party Chairman Tarique Rahman unanimously elected as Leader of Parliament and Prime Minister.

The decision was endorsed at a parliamentary party meeting held at the National Parliament complex shortly after newly elected lawmakers were sworn in. The meeting, chaired by Rahman, confirmed him as head of the parliamentary party, paving the way for his premiership.

The oath-taking ceremony for members of parliament took place on Tuesday at the National Parliament Secretariat. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin administered the oath to the lawmakers in the presence of senior officials and invited guests.

According to BNP insiders, the party leadership has prioritized constitutional reforms, institutional restructuring and economic stabilization in its initial policy roadmap. Sources said the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council remains under active consideration, with consultations expected to begin soon.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed briefed the newly elected MPs on the party’s stance regarding the proposed reform council and outlined legislative priorities for the first parliamentary session.

Prime Minister-designate Rahman and his new cabinet are scheduled to take their oaths before President Mohammad Sahabuddin at the South Plaza of the National Parliament at 4pm.

The Cabinet Division is expected to issue official gazette notifications detailing the allocation of ministerial portfolios later in the evening.

Domestic and international dignitaries attended the parliamentary proceedings, marking the beginning of a new political chapter following the recently concluded national polls.

BOB Post