5 Most Discussed Issues of the First Session of the Bangladeshi Parliament

The first session of the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh is being seen as important for various reasons.

This parliament, which sat almost two years after the fall of the terrorist Awami League government in a mass uprising, witnessed an exceptional political situation. As a result, there was increased interest outside the parliament in every bill, statement, and decision of the session.

In addition to arguments for and against the government and opposition parties on various issues, including the President's address, the Liberation War, and the July Charter, statements by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker also sparked discussion.

This session, which ended on Thursday, was a record of lawmaking on the one hand, and on the other hand, there was a heated political debate and an indication of future politics.

According to the information of the Parliament Secretariat, a total of 133 ordinances were raised in this 25-day session. Among them, 91 bills were passed. The session ended with the passage of a total of 94 bills, including the two bills on the last day.

The parliament was also lively during the question-and-answer session. According to the news agency BSS, 93 notices of questions were submitted to the Prime Minister in this session, of which he answered 35.

In addition, out of the 2,509 questions submitted to ministers of various ministries, 1,778 were answered.

Analysts say that in the first session of the 13th National Parliament, there was a clear attempt to speed up parliamentary activities beyond lawmaking. Many analysts believe that the role of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, in particular, was quite positive.

1. The President's speech - discussion and opposition

The President's speech has been the subject of discussion since the first day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament.

President Md. Shahabuddin's speech was protested by opposition MPs, including Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP.

Since then, the discussion of the motion of thanks on the President's speech has become one of the main attractions of this session.

About 280 MPs participated in the discussion and the debate lasted for more than 40 hours in total.

Although in the parliamentary history of Bangladesh, the President's speech is usually only praised, this time the discussion was different. Direct opposition and observations were raised on various points of the speeches given by the opposition MPs.

Even during the discussion on the motion of thanks brought on the President's address on the last day of the session, Nahid Islam, the opposition chief whip in the National Parliament and convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party, has called for the President to be removed and arrested.

2. July Charter’ faces strong disagreement in Parliament

In the first session of the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh, a heated debate erupted between the government and the opposition over the ‘July Charter’.

The ruling party accused the opposition of trying to appropriate the credit of the movement, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed called on all parties to implement the charter together and proposed forming an all-party committee.

The opposition, however, protested several statements and created disruptions in Parliament. Analysts say the lack of political consensus on the implementation process is the main reason behind the tension.

3. Strong debate over Liberation War consciousness and definition in Parliament

During the discussion on the President’s speech in the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh, sharp debates emerged between the government and the opposition over the Liberation War spirit, the July uprising, and the definition of a freedom fighter.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman claimed that the passage of the National Freedom Fighters Council Act 2026 established the anti-independence role of Jamaat-e-Islami, which created tension in Parliament.

Meanwhile, opposition objections to certain remarks led to disruptions in the session. Some Jamaat leaders also claimed to be from freedom fighter families or child freedom fighters, further deepening the controversy.

According to analysts, the key issue is the political use of the Liberation War narrative and differing views on how to protect the dignity of genuine freedom fighters.

4. Increased accountability in Question Hour, seen as a positive sign

Analysts believe that ministerial accountability increased significantly during the Question Hour in the first session of the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated that 93 questions were submitted for the Prime Minister, of which 35 were answered directly. In addition, out of 2,509 questions submitted to various ministries, 1,778 were answered.
According to analysts, this trend reflects a strengthening of parliamentary oversight over the executive branch.

Political analyst Mohammad Shamsul Alam said the opposition criticized the government on issues including energy, and the government responded accordingly. A committee involving the opposition was also formed to address issues, which is seen as a positive sign for parliamentary democracy.

5. Walkouts, leadership roles, and legislative activity—A multidimensional Parliament session

In the first session of the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh, opposition activism, leadership roles, and high legislative output drew significant attention.

The opposition staged walkouts on at least three days over various issues but later returned to participate in discussions, which analysts view as a positive parliamentary practice. Mohammad Shamsul Alam said this shows the opposition is willing to play an active role.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal were praised for their roles. Their handling of disruptions and management of speaking time had a positive impact on parliamentary proceedings, according to analysts.

Several lawmakers also drew attention. Salahuddin Ahmed stood out for his active participation, while Nahid Islam gained attention for criticizing the government and speaking on the July Charter and corruption issues.

On the legislative front, the session was highly productive, with 94 bills passed in 25 working days and 133 ordinances tabled, which analysts describe as rare and helpful in reducing administrative stagnation.

Additionally, discussions were held on reforms of parliamentary procedure rules, making Parliament more inclusive, time allocation for members, and the neutrality of the Speaker—issues considered important for improving parliamentary effectiveness in the future.