Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip Positions in Focus Ahead of 13th Parliament’s First Session

The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) is set to begin on March 12. Ahead of the session, discussions are intensifying over the key parliamentary posts of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip of the ruling party.

Following a landslide victory in the 13th national election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government on February 17 under the leadership of party chairman Tarique Rahman. The new cabinet, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. In addition, 10 individuals affiliated with the BNP have been appointed as advisers.

Since the formation of the government, speculation has grown over who will be appointed Speaker, Deputy Speaker and government Chief Whip. The issue has generated considerable discussion and curiosity among BNP leaders and activists, as well as the general public.

For the position of government Chief Whip, two BNP leaders from Noakhali are reportedly under consideration.

According to multiple reliable sources, the names of Zainul Abdin Farroque, Member of Parliament from Noakhali-2, and Barkat Ullah Bulu, MP from Noakhali-3, are being widely discussed.

Zainul Abdin Farroque is a six-time Member of Parliament. He previously served as the Opposition Chief Whip in the 9th National Parliament. Given his experience, his name is reportedly leading the discussion for the ruling party’s Chief Whip position.

On the other hand, Barkat Ullah Bulu is a five-time MP. During the BNP government in 2001, he served as an Adviser on Commerce. His name was also discussed for a ministerial position in the current cabinet, but after not being included, he is now being considered for the Chief Whip post as well.

As the first session of the new parliament approaches, political observers are closely watching how the BNP leadership finalizes these important parliamentary appointments.