By Dr Md Momtazur Rahman,

The opening session of the Jatiya Sangsad on 12 March marks more than the routine beginning of parliamentary proceedings. It represents the first full political expression of a new era in Bangladesh—an era shaped by the sacrifices of citizens during the 2024 Bangladesh Mass Uprising, a movement that fundamentally altered the nation’s political trajectory.

For many observers, the significance of the session lies not in ceremonial formalities but in the political debates that unfolded in the chamber. The new parliament is widely viewed as a product of the popular movement that removed an authoritarian order and demanded a return to accountable governance. In that sense, this parliament is not merely constitutional—it is historical.

A Parliament Born from Sacrifice

Throughout the session, speakers from both the government and the opposition repeatedly referenced the sacrifices made during the 2024 uprising. Students, activists, and ordinary citizens took to the streets demanding political reform and democratic accountability. Many lost their lives in the struggle, and their memory continues to shape the moral foundation of the current political moment.

The new parliament therefore carries a symbolic responsibility. It must not only legislate; it must also honour the democratic aspirations that emerged from the uprising. Members of parliament repeatedly acknowledged that the chamber exists today because citizens demanded change and were willing to pay a heavy price for it.

Prime Minister’s Call for a Functional Parliament

In this context, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set the tone for the parliamentary session. His remarks emphasized the need for a “meaningful and effective parliament”—one that reflects the aspirations of the people rather than the confrontational politics that often paralyzed earlier legislative sessions.

The prime minister highlighted that the current parliament must function differently from those of the past. The country has emerged from a turbulent political transition, and citizens expect constructive governance rather than endless political rivalry. He called upon all parties represented in the Jatiya Sangsad to engage in policy debates that directly address national challenges such as economic recovery, institutional reform, and social justice.

Importantly, the prime minister framed the new parliament as a direct outcome of the democratic movement that reshaped the political order. According to him, the sacrifices of the uprising impose a moral obligation on political leaders to practice responsible and transparent governance. The chamber must therefore become a place of real debate and accountability.

Opposition Signals Conditional Cooperation

One of the notable developments in the session was the response from opposition parties, including groups aligned with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Rather than rejecting the parliamentary process outright, opposition leaders signaled a willingness to cooperate with the government on issues that serve the public interest.

This approach represents a potentially significant shift in Bangladesh’s parliamentary culture. Historically, legislative politics in the country has often been characterized by boycotts and confrontational rhetoric. The tone of this session, however, suggested that at least some segments of the opposition are prepared to participate actively in legislative discussions.

Opposition representatives indicated that they are ready to support government initiatives that benefit citizens. At the same time, they stressed that their cooperation would not prevent them from raising concerns about governance, accountability, and political reforms.

In other words, the opposition’s position appears to be one of constructive engagement rather than unconditional support.

A Protest that Reflects Democratic Tension

Despite this willingness to engage, the session also witnessed a dramatic moment of political protest. During the address delivered by President Mohammad Shahabuddin, the opposition members staged a walkout from the parliamentary chamber.

While the president’s speech forms part of the constitutional opening of parliament, the political importance of the day clearly lay elsewhere—in the debates between elected representatives and in the broader political message surrounding the new parliament. The walkout therefore did not fundamentally alter the direction of the session, but it served as a reminder that disagreements remain a central feature of democratic politics.

Opposition leaders explained that their protest was intended to highlight concerns about preserving the ideals of the 2024 movement.  They stated that this president was the president of the then fasccist government and he supported all ill practices by the the fascist Awami League’ government. Moraliy, the president is the president of the fallen Awami League’s government. Hence, the opposition MPs  did not wish him in this opening session. Their message suggested that the transition to a new political order must not lose sight of the democratic principles that inspired the uprising.

The Real Energy of Parliament

Indeed, the real energy of the session came not from ceremonial addresses but from the exchanges among political leaders regarding the future direction of the country. The chamber witnessed discussions about governance reforms, democratic institutions, and the need to rebuild public trust in politics.

This is precisely what many citizens hoped to see after the events of 2024: a living parliament where debates occur openly and where political leaders confront national issues directly.

A parliament that is alive with debate is fundamentally different from one that merely performs ritualistic functions. The legitimacy of the new political order depends largely on whether parliament becomes a forum for genuine democratic engagement.

The Challenge Ahead

Yet the road ahead remains complex. Bangladesh’s political system has long been marked by polarization and mistrust. Transforming the current parliament into a space of constructive dialogue will require restraint and responsibility from both the government and the opposition.

The government must demonstrate openness to criticism and maintain transparency in decision-making. The opposition, for its part, must balance its role as a critic with its responsibility to contribute to policymaking.

If both sides succeed, the Jatiya Sangsad could become the central institution through which the aspirations of the 2024 Bangladesh Mass Uprising are translated into concrete reforms.

A Moment of Democratic Possibility

The events of 12 March therefore represent more than the opening of a parliamentary session. They signal a moment of democratic possibility in Bangladesh.

The sacrifices made during the uprising created an opportunity to redefine the country’s political culture. Whether that opportunity will lead to lasting democratic consolidation depends largely on how the new parliament performs in the coming months.

If the spirit of debate, cooperation, and accountability continues, this parliament may indeed become what many citizens hope for: a living institution that reflects the will and struggles of the people of Bangladesh.

Dr Md Momtazur Rahman is a professor of English and Registrar at IUBAT-International  University of Business Agriculture and Technology.  The writer can be  reached at momtazur@iubat.edu.