Parliament convenes for fifth session Monday

The fifth session of the 10th Parliament, the first of this year, is set to begin at 4pm on Monday amid political unrest.

As per the norm, President Md Abdul Hamid will address the year’s first session, which will be adjourned after his speech.

The Business Advisory Committee will meet under Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury's chairmanship before the session begins to decide its tenure.

The 10th Parliament was formed on Jan 29 last year without any representation from the BNP, and its fifth session is about to commence amid a nationwide indefinite transport blocked called by the BNP-led 20-Party alliance.

The BNP had boycotted the last general election, demanding a nonpartisan administration to oversee it.

In keeping with tradition, the president will enter through Parliament’s northern plaza, also known as the Presidential Plaza.

The president may deliver his speech this year from a dais next to the Speaker’s seat, said a Parliament Secretariat official.

Meanwhile, main opposition Jatiya Party held a meeting Sunday afternoon ahead of the session.

Chairman HM Ershad was present at the meeting chaired by Opposition Leader Raushon Ershad.

After the meeting, Opposition Chief Whip Tajul Islam told reporters, “We'll offer constructive criticism of the government while taking part in the discussion on the president's address. We will be critical wherever its necessary and praise the government where it deserves.”

According to the Parliament Secretariat, notices have been served for the tabling of three Bills – Metrorail Bill-2014, Financial Reporting Bill-2014, and Formalin Control Bill-2014.