MOHIUDDIN ALAMGIR

The first session of the parliament ended with the promise of a vibrant House with lively debates but also revealed weaknesses in the failure to adopt reforms.

On one hand, active participation of the opposition together with the prime minister’s call for dialogue signalled hope for a more effective and democratic parliament. On the other, procedural failures, and MPs’ reluctance to act without the prime minister exposed structural weaknesses.

Expectations are high that the 13th parliament -- elected through broadly accepted polls after years of controversy -- will break from the old pattern of boycotts, hollow debates, and acting as little more than a rubber stamp for ruling parties.

The hope is that the new parliament will emerge as a genuine forum of democratic practice grounded in constructive debate and a stronger role in holding the government accountable.

The maiden session, held from March 12 to April 30, was marked by heated exchanges on issues ranging from the Liberation War (and the main opposition Jamaat-e-Islami’s role during that time) to the July charter, reform proposals, the fuel crisis, law and order, and the economic situation. These discussions kept the House vibrant marked by occasional flare‑ups. But even the opposition’s walk-outs were instances of constructive protest.

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