The government is gearing up for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected MPs shortly after the gazette notification, aiming for a prompt transfer of power. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the Cabinet Division and the law ministry to expedite the process post the 13th national election.
A government official relayed a message from the head of government to BNP leaders, initiating the formation of the new government. The swearing-in typically begins with the president administering the oath to the prime minister, followed by ministers, with the cabinet secretary overseeing the ceremony.
While Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid refrained from specifying a date, stating the MPs’ swearing-in must occur first, an official involved hinted at the new government’s likely swearing-in on Monday or Tuesday. Preparations are underway, with around 50 vehicles readied by the Department of Government Transport and plans to invite approximately 1,500 guests coordinated by the Cabinet Division.
In the absence of a Speaker or Deputy Speaker, a nominee appointed by the president will administer the oath to the MPs-elect, as confirmed by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on February 5. Former secretary Abdul Awal Mazumder supported the decision for a presidential nominee to administer the oath, suggesting the nominee be an MP to align with constitutional provisions.
Mazumder emphasized the importance of elected representatives administering the oath to uphold parliamentary integrity. Citing historical instances, he proposed following precedents where senior elected MPs took their own oaths before administering them to others. However, a government official suggested the possibility of a current or former chief justice administering the oath due to the interim government’s formation during a national crisis based on Supreme Court advice.