The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a training workshop for its members of parliament in preparation for the upcoming first session of the 13th National Parliament, set to convene on March 12. The workshop commenced at 10:30 am at the party’s headquarters in Gulshan, Dhaka, with Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurating the program.
Atikur Rahman Ruman, Additional Press Secretary, confirmed that Tarique Rahman was personally present at the workshop. Notable figures in attendance at the opening session included LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with senior leaders such as MP Abdul Moyeen Khan, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain.
Tarique Rahman delivered the opening remarks, alongside the presence of his daughter Zaima Rahman. The workshop aims to provide newly elected MPs with insights into parliamentary procedures, ethical guidelines, bill formulation and evaluation, budget assessment, and the operational aspects of parliamentary committees. Seasoned lawmakers will mentor newcomers to enhance parliamentary efficacy.
The workshop, spanning two days, is divided into multiple sessions. The initial day saw the participation of ministers, state ministers, and advisors in the morning, followed by MPs from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, and Faridpur in the afternoon. Saturday’s agenda comprises morning sessions for MPs from Dhaka district, Mymensingh, and other parts of Dhaka division, while lawmakers from Sylhet, Cumilla, and Chattogram will engage in the afternoon.
In the recent 13th parliamentary election, BNP secured 209 seats, including 146 first-time legislators. A senior BNP official mentioned that the workshop will educate MPs on asserting points of order, drafting and scrutinizing bills, engaging in debates, advocating constituent concerns, deliberating the president’s speech, and ensuring regular attendance during parliamentary sessions.