Published : 12 Sep 2013, 05:34 PM
Updated : 09 Aug 2022, 11:06 AM
On Thursday afternoon, the Business Advisory Committee decided the 19th session of the ninth Parliament will run through to Oct 24.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present at the BAC meeting chaired by Speaker Chaudhury.
Neither Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia nor her allies were present at the meeting.
Opposition BNP had already said it would not attend the session.
The government’s tenure will end on Jan 24 next year.
“The general election will take place within the last 90 days of the government. The Parliament session will run until Oct 24,” the Speaker said in her welcome speech.
“In this case, the national election will be held any time between Oct 25 and Jan 24,” Chaudhury said, citing sub-section 3(a) of Section 123 of the Constitution.
Thursday’s session commenced amid a political standoff between the two major political alliances over the nature of the government that would oversee the general election.
Ruling Awami League has asked the opposition to place its demand, if any, in Parliament.
Speaker Chaudhury said initiatives would be taken in this last session to pass important bills.
She hoped the last session would be effective with the constructive debate and discussion of the ruling and opposition parties.
She sought everyone’s assistance in keeping the development of democracy uninterrupted.
‘Sitting every day’
The BAC meeting decided to hold daily sittings from 5pm to 9pm. A general discussion will be held on Sept 15 on the International Day of Democracy.
A media statement from the Parliament Secretariat said the Speaker will adjourn sessions ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, Durga Puja, and other important occasions.
File Photo
