President Mohammed Shahabuddin today dissolved the 12th parliament formed through the January 7 national election

President Mohammed Shahabuddin yesterday said the ruling and the opposition parties must play constructive roles in consolidating transparency, accountability, tolerance, human rights and the rule of law.

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was sworn in as the Speaker of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad after she was re-elected as the Speaker this afternoon

The 12th parliament went into its first session this afternoon with a record 62 independent lawmakers, most of whom are Awami League leaders

The 12th parliament will hold its maiden session this afternoon, amid concerns from various quarters about whether the House of the Nation will truly represent the public’s interests in the absence of a genuine opposition.

The 12th parliament goes into its maiden session tomorrow in the absence of a “genuine opposition” that can hold the government accountable.

The number of political parties in parliament since the restoration of democracy in 1991 seems to be shrinking.

It was on 15 February 1982 that the National Parliament Building housed its first session. 

Newly elected MPs of the ruling Awami League took the oath of office this morning