PM inaugurates parliamentary training programme

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a training workshop at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office on Thursday morning.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organised the workshop for its lawmakers ahead of the first session of the 13^th National Parliament, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said.

Senior party leaders attending the event included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain, along with other senior officials.

Tarique Rahman delivered the welcome speech, and his daughter Jaima Rahman was also present.

BNP sources said the workshop aims to familiarise newly elected MPs with parliamentary rules of business and other key areas, including the code of conduct, bill drafting and review, budget analysis, and the workings of parliamentary committees. Experienced lawmakers will share their knowledge and practical insights with the newcomers.

“The purpose of this workshop is to enhance the efficiency of the government and the ruling party,” officials added.

The first session of the 13^th Parliament is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am on 12 March, following a call from President Md Shahabuddin on 23 February.

In preparation, the BNP has arranged the two-day training programme to equip its MPs with knowledge and skills. Parliamentary experts, academics, and senior MPs will guide participants on the roles and responsibilities of MPs and cabinet members, highlighting how to make parliamentary proceedings more effective.

The morning session on the first day was attended by ministers, state ministers, and advisers.

A total of 209 BNP MPs were elected in the 13^th parliamentary elections, of whom 146 are entering Parliament for the first time. Many of the new MPs lack prior experience with parliamentary procedures.

A senior BNP leader said the workshop will provide guidance on raising points of order, drafting and reviewing bills, contributing to discussions, highlighting constituency issues, addressing topics in the president's speech, and ensuring full attendance during parliamentary sessions.