DHAKA, Jan 09, 2024 — The newly elected members of the 12th national parliament are poised to take their oaths today in a ceremony scheduled to commence at 10:00 am in the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury will officiate the swearing-in, marking the formal induction of the elected lawmakers.

The Election Commission (EC) released a gazette notification yesterday, detailing the results of the 12th National Elections and listing the 298 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs). According to constitutional obligations, MPs are required to take their oath within three days of the gazette notification.

In the parliamentary elections held on January 7, the ruling Awami League secured a significant victory with 222 seats out of 298. Independents claimed 62 seats, while the Jatiya Party secured 11. Additionally, the Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each won one seat. The polls for Naogaon-2 were postponed due to the unfortunate demise of a candidate in December.

Sources at the Cabinet Division revealed that the members of the upcoming cabinet will be sworn in on Thursday in a separate ceremony at Bangabhaban. The oath-taking event for the cabinet members is scheduled for Thursday evening.

Before this, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, from the eleventh national parliament, will administer the oaths to the newly-elected parliament members today. The oath-taking ceremony for parliamentarians will unfold in the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, beginning at 10:00 am on Wednesday.

These dual ceremonies mark a significant step in the democratic process, solidifying the transition to the 12th national parliament and the formation of the upcoming cabinet. The events are anticipated to be a testament to the continued commitment to the democratic principles that underpin the political landscape in Bangladesh.