New MPs, ministers take oath on Feb 17 

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) are scheduled to be sworn in during the first hour on Monday, February 17, while the new government is expected to take the oath of office later that evening, according to officials at the Cabinet Division.

Officials said both the Cabinet Division and the Parliament Secretariat have initiated necessary preparations to ensure the smooth arrangement of the ceremonies.

Earlier, outgoing Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid stated that the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet would be held by February 17 at Bangabhaban, with around 1,000 distinguished guests expected to attend. 

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also confirmed to the media that the programme would take place by February 17. 

On Saturday, the Election Commission published the official gazette notification for the MPs elected in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Dr Rashid said that, under the law, newly elected members must take their oath within three working days of the gazette publication. As working days begin on Sunday, he expressed hope that the oath-taking would be completed by February 17.

He further explained that once MPs are sworn in, the political parties that participated in the election will elect their respective parliamentary party leaders. The leader of the majority party will then inform the President, who, in accordance with the Constitution, will appoint that leader as Prime Minister. The swearing-in of the new Cabinet will subsequently be held at a convenient time.

Regarding preparations, the Cabinet Secretary said that all necessary arrangements are in place to hold the ceremony within the stipulated timeframe, with contingency plans prepared in case of any delay.

On the administration of the oath, he noted that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Parliament Secretariat. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or a person nominated by them may administer the oath.