The newly elected members of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament took their oath on Tuesday at Parliament House, marking a key step toward forming the first elected government in 18 months.

International dignitaries attended the ceremony, highlighting its global significance.

The oath-taking ceremony comes 18 months after the end of the 17-year rule of the Awami League, during which the country was governed by a long interim administration. Newly elected MPs formally assumed their roles, enabling the majority party to elect its parliamentary leader, who will then be invited by the president to form the government.

Tariq Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and leader of the parliamentary majority, is expected to lead the new government.

Cabinet formation

According to BNP sources, the new cabinet is likely to include a mix of seasoned politicians, young leaders, and technocrats. The focus will be on fulfilling election promises, accelerating administrative reforms, and promoting fresh leadership.

Senior BNP figures such as Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir are expected to take on key responsibilities.

Constitutional reform council delays

Reports had suggested that MPs might also take a separate oath as members of a proposed Constitutional Reform Council. However, differences among political parties have delayed this process. Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed noted that the oath for the council can only proceed after necessary constitutional amendments and legal requirements are completed.

Tight security measures were enforced around Parliament House, including traffic control, CCTV surveillance, and other security protocols.

Several international dignitaries attended the event, including Maldives President Mohamed Morsi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. Leaders from 13 other countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, were also invited by the interim administration.