The Jatiya Sangsad went into its budget session yesterday morning with the Opposition bench empty.

Security was beefed up in and around the Sangsad Bhaban as the budget session, planned to be a lengthy one. started.

Stepping up of security the parliament was discussed at the JS Business Advisory Committee meeting on Sunday.

Almost all the Treasury Bench members attended the opening sitting which began at 9:30 am as scheduled. Prime Minister Sheikh Haslna and top leaders of the Treasury Bench were present.

Opposition lawmakers of BNP and its allies continued their absence while MPs belonging to Jatiya Party faction led by Communications Minister Anwar Hossain Mailly 'joined the session.

The opening sitting lasted a little over an hour when separate obituary references including one on JP lawmaker Zul-fikar Ali Bhutto were adopted.

The Prime Minister. Food Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Fisheries and Livestock Minister ASM Rab, JP Whip Fazle Rabbi and ASM Firoz of the ruling party spoke on Bhutto’s life and activities.

The PM said Bhutto devoted his life for the welfare of the people in his constituency.

Recalling the late MP’s sense of humour. Sheikh Haslna said he was a critic of the government but he used to make livelv deliberations without hurting anybody.

The others also spoke highly about Bhutto’s performance in the House.

As per parliamentary convention. the Speaker adjourned the session after the obituary reference on a sitting MP was adopted.

But due to constitutional compulsion, the Chair allowed Education Minister ASHK Sadique to place the annual report of the Public Service Commission . s

Earlier, the Speaker nominated a five-member panel of chairmen who will chair the sittings in absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. They are: Prof Ali Ashraf (AL). Prof Abdul Mannan (AL), Fazle Rabbi (JP). Abdul Latif Mirza (AL) and Tas-mima Hossain (JP).

The session was adjourned till 9:30 am today.