CEC likely to administer oath to MPs, president to swear in cabinet members: Asif Nazrul

The chief election commissioner (CEC) is likely to administer the oath to newly elected members of parliament (MPs), while the president will swear in members of the new cabinet, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today (15 February).

"I assume that the chief election commissioner will administer the oath. The BNP has informed that immediately after taking the oath, they will elect the leader of their parliamentary party," he said.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs at the Secretariat, he said the oath-taking ceremony for MPs will be held at 10am on Tuesday (17 February), and the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet is scheduled to take place at 4pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. 

"As far as I know, the president will administer the oath," he said.

Responding to a question about invited guests, the adviser said the Cabinet Division would decide on the matter. 

"To my knowledge, invitations have so far been extended to Saarc member states. Ministers from those countries have been invited," he said.

Asif Nazrul said the idea of holding the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad was initially expressed by the BNP.

"My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others," he said.

Besides, many historic events, including the July Declaration and the July Charter, have taken place in the parliament complex, said the adviser.

"The South Plaza of this parliament is particularly memorable to us for various reasons. The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi," he added.

Asif Nazrul said South Plaza had also emerged as a venue for documenting various aspects of the July Uprising.

"Considering all these factors, they perhaps expressed this intention, and we arranged it accordingly."

The adviser said a farewell meeting was held earlier in the day but no major decisions were taken.

"We reflected on our work, shared experiences, and informed everyone about the oath programme. It was more like a final meeting together," he added.

On whether the Indian prime minister would attend, he said he had no such information, reports UNB.

"I have no information about any prime minister attending," he said.

When asked about speculations that he might be included in the next cabinet, the law adviser said, "There is no question at all."