17 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Bangladesh witnessed a significant political development on Monday as newly elected Members of Parliament were sworn in during a formal oath-taking ceremony at the national parliament in Dhaka. The event marked the beginning of a new parliamentary term, even as tensions surfaced over the formation of the proposed Constitution Reform Commission.
The oath ceremony was administered at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where newly elected MPs pledged allegiance to the Constitution and committed themselves to upholding democratic values. Senior parliamentary officials oversaw the proceedings, which were attended by cabinet members, lawmakers, and senior bureaucrats.
While the ruling alliance welcomed the smooth conduct of the ceremony, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) created political ripples by declining to take a second oath linked to the newly announced Constitution Reform Commission. BNP leaders stated that participating in the commission without broad political consensus would undermine democratic principles.
According to BNP representatives, the commission’s structure and mandate were announced unilaterally, without adequate consultation with opposition parties. They argued that constitutional reform is a sensitive and far-reaching process that must involve all major political stakeholders, civil society groups, and legal experts to ensure legitimacy.
“The oath as MPs is our constitutional duty, which we have fulfilled. However, being asked to take a separate oath as members of a Constitution Reform Commission without transparency is unacceptable,” a senior BNP leader said after the ceremony. The party clarified that its refusal should not be interpreted as disrespect for the Constitution, but rather as a protest against what it called a “politically motivated process.”
The ruling party, however, defended the commission, describing it as a necessary step to modernise Bangladesh’s constitutional framework. Government leaders said the commission aims to review electoral reforms, balance of power among state institutions, and safeguards for democratic governance. They maintained that the door remains open for opposition participation.
Political analysts say the BNP’s decision reflects ongoing distrust between the ruling establishment and opposition forces. Despite participating in the elections and parliamentary proceedings, the BNP has continued to express concerns about political inclusivity and institutional independence.
The oath ceremony itself proceeded without disruption. Newly sworn-in MPs took their seats in the House, and parliamentary business is expected to begin later this week. Legislative priorities are likely to include economic recovery measures, inflation control, energy security, and governance reforms.
Public reaction to the developments has been mixed. Supporters of the government see the formation of the Constitution Reform Commission as a forward-looking move aimed at strengthening democracy. Critics, however, fear that reforms carried out without cross-party consensus could deepen political polarisation.
Constitutional experts have also weighed in, noting that meaningful reform requires trust, dialogue, and compromise. “A constitution is a national document. Any attempt to revise it must be inclusive, transparent, and based on consensus,” said a Dhaka-based constitutional scholar.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, as Bangladesh’s political stability remains crucial for economic growth and regional diplomacy. Analysts note that how the government handles opposition concerns over the reform process will play a key role in shaping the credibility of the new parliament.
As live updates continue, attention is now focused on whether dialogue can be initiated between the ruling alliance and the BNP to bring the opposition on board with the reform agenda. For now, the new parliament has begun its journey amid both ceremony and controversy, highlighting the complex dynamics of Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.
Summary
Newly elected MPs were sworn in at Bangladesh’s parliament, while the BNP refused to take a second oath as Constitution Reform Commission members, citing lack of transparency and political consensus.