Political tensions simmered in Dhaka as BNP’s victorious parliamentarians from the 13th elections gathered Tuesday at the National Parliament for oaths. Opting out of Constitution Reform Council pledges, they struck at the heart of Muhammad Yunus’s vision, guided by party chief Tarique Rahman.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, filling in for vacant leadership posts, led the constitutional oaths, managed by Secretary Kaniz Mula. Rahman’s Dhaka-17 oath, witnessed by Zubaida and Jaida Rahman, symbolized BNP’s resolve.
The Daily Star quoted Salahuddin Ahmed attributing the snub to Rahman’s instructions, avoiding unelected council ties. This challenges the 2025 reform package from Yunus’s post-Hasina interim government and 30 allies.
While Jamaat and NCP groups hesitated, they swore in. February 12’s dual event—elections plus Charter referendum in 299 seats—delivered BNP 209 (alliance 212), Jamaat 68 (77), NCP 6, independents 7, and niches: Khilafat entities (3), Islamic Movement (1), BJP (1), Gonoadhikar (1), Ganasanghati (1).
This episode heralds a combative assembly, where BNP’s mandate clashes with reformist pushes, steering Bangladesh toward redefined constitutional norms.