After securing a decisive win in the 11th National Parliament election on December 30, 2018, the Awami League assumed office on January 4, 2019, with a strong majority. The Parliament’s term has just three more months left, but no further sessions are scheduled. Nevertheless, the constitution allows for this requirement to be waived in the last 90 days of the term to facilitate parliamentary elections. The countdown for the 12th National Assembly election commenced on November 1.
Over the course of the five-year period leading up to Thursday, which marked the final day of the last session, an unprecedented 31 MPs sadly passed away, with the majority succumbing to complications related to old age. On November 2, the final day of the current 11th session, an unprecedented milestone was achieved with the passage of a remarkable seven bills, shattering all previous records.
These groundbreaking bills include:
- The Lakshmipur University of Science and Technology Bill-2023
- The Satkhira University of Science and Technology Bill-2023
- The Bangladesh Homoeopathic Education and Medicine Bill-2023
- The Bangladesh Labor (Amendment) Bill-2023
- The Abandoned Houses (Supplementary Regulations) Bill-2023
- The Ansar Battalion Bill-2023, and
- The Bangladesh Police (Subordinate Staff) Welfare Fund Bill-2023
Noteworthy remarks from Members of Parliament
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her concluding speech, said “I strongly encourage the citizens of our nation to come together and collaborate in apprehending the culprits responsible for the recent arson attacks and handing them over to the authorities. Burn those hands which set vehicles on fire, otherwise their actions will persist”.
“I encountered multiple attacks on my life, enduring threats at home and abroad. There were orchestrated assassination attempts when I travelled overseas, carried out by individuals linked to Khaleda Zia’s son, who resides in London, along with their network of terrorists.”
The House leader once more dismissed the idea of engaging in any dialogue with the BNP. “Following a hiatus in violence since 2015, the BNP’s mayhem on October 28 bore a stark resemblance to the arson incidents that plagued the nation a few years ago.”
The premier wanted to know from the people which vision of Bangladesh they support. “Are they leaning towards a Bangladesh on the path of progress or one marred by destruction? Do they seek to protect their enhanced living standards? If that’s their desire, it’s only possible with the Awami League in charge.”
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury expressed hope that the twelfth parliament will be formed through free, fair, impartial and participatory elections.
She emphasized “Elections constitute the sole legitimate means in a democratic system for the formation of the next parliament, and there should be no room for deviation from this fundamental principle. It is imperative that we do not allow any factors to diminish this significant achievement.”
She further underscored “The vibrant presence of opposition parties and their active engagement have significantly contributed to the vitality and efficacy of the parliament and the pivotal roles played by both the government and opposition parties in enhancing the effectiveness of the parliamentary system.”
Raushan Ershad, the chief patron of the Jatiya Party and the Opposition Leader, made a compelling statement
“The transformation of state power should occur via democratic elections, ensuring they are conducted in a manner that is transparent, just, unbiased, and inclusive. The 12th national election should extend an invitation to all citizens to partake in the democratic process. Several nations are actively seeking to sway the outcome of Bangladesh’s national election, with the aim of strengthening their positions in the global political arena.”
Fakhrul Imam, a Member of the Jatiya Party, conveyed his gratitude to the Speaker, acknowledging, “Over the past ten years, spanning two terms, we have had the privilege of being under your guidance. We deeply appreciate your leadership, and we wish you continued success in your future endeavors.”
General Secretary of Jatiya Party Mujibul Haque Chunnu addressed the speaker and said “As the daughter of the father of the nation, the Prime Minister bears numerous significant responsibilities. I kindly urge the Prime Minister to transcend her previous statements and criticisms, and convene all political parties for a discussion on the upcoming elections. The people of the country strongly desire this unity.”
Addressing the BNP, he stated, “I urge all opposition parties, including the BNP, to engage in meaningful dialogue with an open mind, prioritizing the needs of the people and without setting any preconditions. During our five years in the opposition and our collaborative efforts spanning many years, we have also formed alliances with the Awami League and maintained a positive rapport with them. Hence, we advocate for a constructive dialogue in light of this historical context.”
Mujibul Haque asserted “We constitute the opposition in Parliament, and I believe that we, as opposition MPs, have diligently fulfilled our responsibilities. I have thoroughly reviewed every bill, and I have addressed every matter of public concern. Additionally, we have successfully voiced our criticisms of the Prime Minister without encountering any obstacles. Our performance has been a source of satisfaction, and our role has been carried out with dedication.”
Shamim Haider, during the discussion on the amendment proposal of the bill, stated, “I have served in this parliament for the past five years. We engaged in a lengthy conversation, and you graciously provided us with a fair opportunity. We faced criticism from many quarters, some of it quite harsh. Everyone listened to the criticism, but we refrained from responding with harsh language. It was our responsibility to maintain decorum. Through this approach, we have managed to advance some of the country’s interests, and for that, we are truly grateful for your kindness.”
JAPA leader Pir Fazlur Rahman stated, “I had the chance to interact with prominent individuals, including the Prime Minister. The final day marked the end of my working tenure, during which she granted me an audience several times. On those occasions, I advocated for the welfare of the people, and I refrained from making personal attacks. I never sought personal gains from any minister.”
Jatiya Party’s Raushan Ara Mannan lamented “Two years have been lost due to the impact of the coronavirus and we have been unable to accomplish any meaningful work over the past three years. I earnestly request the Prime Minister to bear in mind this critical issue.”
Another Jatiya party member, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, indirectly expressed his desire to extend the parliamentary term by two years. He responded “Our previous speaker suggested that two to three years have been squandered and implied an extension of the parliamentary term by two years. I interpreted his words in this manner, and since I value straightforwardness, it’s worth pondering upon his message.”
On April 18, 2020, the 7th Session of the Current Parliament Commenced for 1.5 Hours Despite Pandemic Challenges. In Addition to Regular Sessions, Two Special Sessions Marked Bangabandhu’s Birth Centenary and Parliament’s Golden Jubilee. PM Sheikh Hasina Holds Longest Presence in Current Parliament, Second Only to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury concluded the last session following the reading of the President’s closing announcement.
