Third Session of 13th Parliament Begins Tomorrow Amid Anticipated Debates

The third session of the 13th National Parliament is scheduled to commence tomorrow, Thursday, at 3:00 PM. Although expected to be a brief session, it is anticipated to witness intense debates and political friction over several contentious legislative drafts, including the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Bill and the National Human Rights Commission Bill.

In addition to these controversial bills, pressing domestic issues such as ongoing electricity, gas, and fertilizer shortages are likely to generate heated discussions on the floor.

According to parliamentary secretariat sources, three bills have already been submitted, with several others expected to be introduced, bringing the total duration of the session to approximately 10 to 11 working days. Earlier, out of 133 ordinances issued during the interim administration, 16 lapsed as they were not introduced as bills within the stipulated timeframe. The government subsequently announced plans to reintroduce these after thorough revisions, prominently featuring the anti-disappearance ordinance.

However, the draft laws have sparked widespread concern and criticism from various stakeholders, including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIBA) and the National Citizen Party (NCP). TIBA noted that while the drafts contain positive elements, retaining provisions that restrict the independent investigative powers of the human rights commission—and leaving disappearance investigations solely in the hands of the police—undermines neutral accountability. Critics from civil society and political factions argue that these measures risk perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Aside from regular legislative business and question-and-answer segments, this session is expected to establish the remaining 35 parliamentary standing committees, fulfilling the constitutional requirement to form ministry-specific committees within the first three parliamentary sessions. Furthermore, parliamentary committees previously headed by lawmakers who have recently taken oath as cabinet ministers will need to be reconstituted.