Lawmakers from the Awami League and independent candidates elected in the January 7 polls took their oath as members of the parliament today. The ceremony, administered by the 11th Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, commenced at 10:30 am in the Parliament Complex’s Oath Room.

Speaker Chaudhury, along with independent parliament members, took oath earlier, with Jatiya Party and other faction MPs following suit at 12 pm. The constitution mandates newly elected MPs to take the oath within three days of election results being published in an official gazette, as per Article 148 (2A). A gazette notification on the 12th National Elections’ results, detailing 298 newly elected members, was issued on Tuesday. The new cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in at Bangabhaban at 7 pm on Thursday (January 11).

The Awami League secured 222 out of 298 seats, with independent candidates, mostly aligned with AL, winning 62 seats. Jatiyo Party and single candidates from other parties also claimed victories. After the oath, the AL parliamentary party will elect Sheikh Hasina as their leader, paving the way for her fifth term as prime minister. The president will administer the oath to the new prime minister, who will then form a cabinet with ministers and state ministers chosen by her.

On Friday, Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen stated that if the United States’ statements about the visa policy are accurate, then the policy should be applied to BNP leaders as they aim to disrupt the election. The foreign minister made these comments after a meeting with a US observer team at his residence in Sylhet in the evening.

He mentioned that BNP’s current popularity in the country has declined, and they have chosen the path of terrorism. He added that the people of the country are not concerned about Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, and the party is suffering due to the immaturity of its leadership.

In response to a question, the minister mentioned that 227 observers and journalists from various countries worldwide would come to monitor the upcoming election. He noted that members of the US observer team did not provide comments on the election; instead, they were gathering information. The US team included Geoffrey McDonald, Senior Advisor, Asia Pacific, IRI, Amitab Ghosh, Senior Program Manager, IRI, and David Hogstra, Program Manager, IRI.

Sheikh Hasina Urges New Voters to Support “Boat” for Continued Development

Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on new and young voters to cast their ballots for the “Boat,” the party’s electoral symbol, to ensure the country’s ongoing development. Addressing a sizable election rally at Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in Dhanmondi, Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s significant socio-economic progress under AL’s governance since 2008. Emphasizing the party’s commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous nation by 2041, she urged voters to reject attempts by BNP-Jamaat to disrupt the electoral process through arson violence.

Transportation Flexibility on Polling Day for Voters

In preparation for the upcoming election on January 7, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that public transports, private cars, easy bikes, and auto-rickshaws would be allowed for movement on polling day. The goal is to ensure voters can easily reach polling centers. However, the movement of certain vehicles, including motorcycles and speedboats, will face restrictions. The circular also exempts emergency service vehicles and transports carrying relatives of foreign travelers, provided they present relevant documents.

Sheikh Hasina Addresses Election Rally, Seeks Support for “Boat”

AL President Sheikh Hasina, addressing a massive election rally, urged voters to support the “Boat,” describing it as a symbol of development, peace, and prosperity. She introduced all 15 AL candidates of Dhaka and emphasized their commitment to serving the people. Sheikh Hasina reassured voters that the AL government has made the Election Commission independent, ensuring free and fair elections without the need for rigging.

Sheikh Hasina Highlights Government’s Development Efforts in Dhaka

Sheikh Hasina presented her government’s efforts for the development of Dhaka, including the construction of metro rail, expressways, flyovers, and airport terminals. Plans for future projects, such as waterways surrounding Dhaka, upgrading Dhaka Medical College, and transforming the city’s rivers for increased navigability, were also outlined. Sheikh Hasina emphasized her government’s commitment to providing better and affordable healthcare, citing projects like the burn institute, heart institute, and specialized hospitals.

AL Chief Assures Independent Election Commission

Addressing accusations of vote manipulation, Sheikh Hasina emphasized that the AL government has made the Election Commission independent. The commission’s financial independence was ensured by separating it from the Prime Minister’s Office, announcing a separate budget, and implementing measures for free and fair elections. Sheikh Hasina underscored that the AL earns votes through the people’s trust and does not resort to rigging to assume power.