The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formally assumed power after a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, with its newly elected MPs taking the oath of office on Tuesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka. The oath was administered by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in accordance with constitutional provisions, while offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament remain vacant.

The ceremony was conducted under the supervision of Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moula. Reports indicate that BNP MPs deliberately refrained from taking the oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council, following instructions from party chief Tarique Rahman. Salauddin Ahmed, a senior BNP leader, said the council is not yet part of the Constitution and requires proper legal incorporation through a referendum.

The 13th parliamentary election, held on February 12 across 299 constituencies, saw the BNP secure 209 seats, while the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. Tarique Rahman, who contested and won in two constituencies, vacated Bogura-6 for a by-election and took his parliamentary oath from Dhaka-17, consolidating the party’s parliamentary presence.

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The BNP’s decision to skip the constitutional reform oath has reportedly influenced other parties. Newly elected MPs from the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), are reportedly considering refraining from taking their parliamentary oaths in solidarity or as a procedural protest.

Analysts view the move as a strategic assertion by the BNP to emphasize constitutional procedures while establishing its legislative dominance. Observers note that the party is likely to prioritize parliamentary reforms and governance initiatives in its early days, signaling a cautious yet assertive approach to its new mandate.

The oath-taking marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the BNP takes office after a clear mandate, setting the stage for both domestic policy initiatives and ongoing debates over constitutional reforms.

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