Bangladesh Parliament convenes following recent unrest and election of new government

Bangladesh’s Parliament Convenes After Turbulent Elections

The parliament of Bangladesh has convened for the first time since a deadly uprising in February 2024, which led to landmark elections last month. The newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the parliament on Thursday, stating that the activities of parliament are beginning today with representatives elected by the people.

Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took office after the February 12 elections, succeeding an interim administration that had led the country since August 2024. The BNP secured 212 seats in the 350-seat parliament, while the opposition alliance led by Shafiqur Rahman holds 76 seats.

Rahman blamed the toppled government of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party for undermining the previous parliament. Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in absentia, is currently in self-imposed exile in India. The BNP leader promised to make parliament the centre of all debates and arguments aimed at resolving the country’s problems.

The newly elected government faces several urgent challenges, including tackling a sluggish economy, restoring stability, and reviving growth after months of turmoil. Bangladesh has also been hit hard by an oil price spike caused by the war launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.

A new speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, and his deputy, Kayser Kamal, were elected to office. Both are members of the BNP. The parliament building was looted during the August 2024 uprising against Hasina’s government, but has since been repaired.

Source: Al Jazeera