The first session of the 13th National Parliament has ended. In the meetings spanning 25 working days, a total of 94 bills were passed, 133 ordinances were presented, seven committees were formed, and 280 Members of Parliament participated in nearly 40 hours of discussion on the President's speech.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presented this information in his concluding speech yesterday, Thursday (April 30), at the end of the session.

He then announced the conclusion of the first session by reading the President's order. Earlier, the thanks-giving motion on the President's speech from March 12 was passed by voice vote.

The Speaker stated that the journey of the 13th National Parliament began on March 12. After 18 long years, this session gained special significance following a national election held with "fair, neutral, and spontaneous participation" of the people. He noted that the empathy and cooperation he witnessed between the treasury and opposition benches in this session was unlike anything seen in any previous parliament.

The Speaker said, "Strengthening parliamentary democracy, ensuring overall development of the country, establishing the rule of law, and ensuring transparency and accountability are of paramount importance to us. Let us all work together. Despite differences of opinion, let us place the interest of the country above all."

The Speaker informed that no amendment notices were received regarding the thanks-giving motion raised by Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam at the beginning of the session. Later, when he put the motion to a vote, it was adopted by voice vote.

The message of thanks stated that the members assembled in this session of the National Parliament expressed their sincere gratitude to President Md. Sahabuddin for his speech on March 12.

25 Working Days, 94 Bills, 133 Ordinances
In his concluding speech, the Speaker said that there were 25 working days in this session. A total of 94 bills were passed in this session. 133 ordinances were presented. Alongside legislative activities, seven committees were formed. Among them are five standing committees and two special committees.

According to Parliament Secretariat data, 280 members participated in the discussion on the President's speech. This discussion lasted for more than 40 hours.

The Speaker said there was a sincere and cordial atmosphere in the parliament, where participating members actively took part in discussions.

In his words, "In this parliament, a total of 220 members have become Members of Parliament for the first time. Even so, I am impressed by your constructive discussions and tolerant behavior."

In his concluding speech, the Speaker also highlighted statistics of various notices and discussions under parliamentary rules. He said 16 notices were received under Rule 62 of the Rules of Procedure, of which two were accepted and both were discussed. Nine notices were received under Rule 68; one of them was accepted and a brief discussion was held on it.

Out of a total of 1,198 notices under Rule 71, 42 were accepted and 38 were discussed. Speeches of two minutes each were given 207 times under Rule 71(A). Out of 14 notices under Rule 164, one was accepted and sent to the Standing Committee on Privileges. A special committee was formed following a notice under Rule 266.

93 Questions for the PM, 2,509 for Ministers
The Speaker stated that notices for 93 questions were received for the Prime Minister's answer in this session. Among them, he answered 35 in the parliament. Notices for 2,509 questions were received for the answers of ministers of various ministries. Among them, 1,778 questions were answered in the parliament.

In his concluding speech, the Speaker congratulated Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for "providing leadership in state governance and bringing glory to the country".

At the same time, he thanked Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman for his positive role in parliamentary activities.

He also thanked the Chief Whip, members of the cabinet, members of the opposition, the Deputy Speaker, members of the panel of chairpersons, officers and employees of the Parliament Secretariat, workers of various ministries and organizations, and media personnel.

The Speaker informed that he "gladly accepted" the proposal given by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to provide honorarium allowances for the officers and employees of the Parliament Secretariat and other offices.

In his concluding speech, the Speaker said, "We must move forward with the theme 'Work with the Spirit of the Liberation War and July, Build the Country' and the policy 'Bangladesh Above All'".

He said the current government's priority programs include Family Cards for every family, Farmer Cards for farmers, strengthening the agricultural and rural economy, solving waterlogging through canal excavation and re-excavation, developing irrigation systems, and increasing agricultural production.

In the Speaker's words, these initiatives will play an important role in protecting environmental balance and improving rural living standards.

At the same time, he said that ensuring justice for crimes against humanity and extrajudicial killings during the fascist era, the independence of the judiciary, and consolidating the rule of law are also commitments of the state.

Finally, by reading the President's order, the Speaker said that by the power vested under Clause 1 of Article 72 of the Constitution, President Md. Sahabuddin has declared the conclusion of the current first session of the 13th National Parliament after the meeting on April 30 (Thursday).

The Speaker then said, "I declare the conclusion of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. I thank and express my gratitude to you all. Bangladesh Zindabad."