SANGSAD BHABAN, Mar 30 (V7N) — The first session of the 13th National Parliament resumed at 3:30 PM on Monday following a brief adjournment. Presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, the sitting marked the continuation of the legislative agenda after the House had been adjourned on Sunday evening.

The primary focus of this stage of the session is the general debate on the motion of thanks regarding the President’s address. President Mohammed Shahabuddin delivered his speech on the inaugural day of the parliament, March 12, outlining the government’s priorities following the February 12 general election. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the Business Advisory Committee has allocated a total of 50 hours for this discussion, allowing members from both the treasury and opposition benches to deliberate on national issues.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam moved the motion of thanks, which is traditionally seconded by the Whip. Beyond the presidential debate, the session’s agenda includes:

  • Ministerial Q&A: Brief sessions for ministers to respond to scheduled queries from lawmakers.

  • Public Importance Notices: Raising and discussing urgent matters under Rule-71 of the Rules of Procedure.

  • July Charter Implementation: Significant debate is expected on the "July National Charter," with the opposition already placing adjournment motions to discuss the summoning of the Constitution Reform Council.

The current session is scheduled to continue until April 30, following the timeline set by the Working Advisory Committee. This period is seen as a critical window for the 13th Parliament to establish its legislative character, particularly as it navigates the transition from the interim administration to the BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

As per parliamentary custom, the general debate will culminate in the formal adoption of the vote of thanks, signaling the House's endorsement of the strategic direction laid out by the head of state.

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