Opposition MPs walk out as President Shahabuddin delivers speech

The inaugural session of the 13th Parliament witnessed dramatic scenes today (12 March) as opposition lawmakers from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest inside the House, while activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) demonstrated outside, both targeting President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The commotion inside the chamber began shortly after the newly elected Speaker, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, invited the president to deliver his inaugural address.

As President Shahabuddin stood to speak, Jamaat-e-Islami MPs rose from their seats in protest, brandishing placards.

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The slogans on the placards included "No more betrayal with July" and "Stop the lack of credibility regarding the July uprising," referencing the July Uprising.

Amidst the chanting and display of placards, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed repeatedly called for order, urging the lawmakers to remain calm and allow the proceedings to continue.

Despite the disruption, President Mohammed Shahabuddin commenced his speech, which is a constitutional requirement for the first session of a new parliament. Photo: Screengrab/BTV

Despite the disruption, the president eventually commenced his speech, which is a constitutional requirement for the first session of a new parliament.

Simultaneously, the atmosphere outside the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban was equally tense. Since 10:30am, leaders and activists of the NCP, joined by the families of those killed during the July Uprising, staged a sit-in at the parliament entrance on Manik Mia Avenue.

The protesters outside presented a three-point demand: the impeachment of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the swift trial of those responsible for the July killings, and the implementation of reforms based on a referendum through a constitutional reform council.

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Prominent figures, including NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Sarwar Tushar, and Monira Sharmin, were seen leading the peaceful yet firm demonstration.

The dual protests highlight a significant fracture in the political landscape regarding the legitimacy of the current head of state, whom many protesters associate with the previous regime.

While the BNP-led government moved forward with the session, the main opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the NCP have signalled that the "July Charter", the framework for state reform, remains their primary yardstick for government accountability.

While the BNP-led government moved forward with the session, the main opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP have signalled dissent by walking out of the inaugural session of the 13th Parliament. Photo: Screengrab/BTV

Earlier in the day, the session began at 11:05am with senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain in the chair, leading to the unanimous election of Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker.