The incoming 13th parliament promises renewal. More than two-thirds of lawmakers-elect will take their seats for the first time. The country will see a first-time prime minister, a first-time opposition leader, and six young members of parliament from the National Citizen Party who helped organise the 2024 July uprising. Eight parties will be represented, and five party chiefs will enter the House as first-time MPs. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured 209 seats, brings 132 newcomers. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has 59 first-time MPs. While seasoned stalwarts, particularly within the BNP, remain, the overall composition of the parliament signals a more vibrant and diverse legislature, backed by an active opposition.

This marks a clear departure from recent parliaments led by Awami League, where the absence of a credible opposition reduced proceedings to ritual. The treasury benches were filled by the same figures elected through controversial polls. Instead of lively debate on public-interest issues and meaningful legislative scrutiny, the chamber too often became a stage for sycophancy. MPs competed in praising the prime minister, while dissenting voices, whether individuals or institutions, were branded “enemies of the state,” with little opportunity for rebuttal. Arbitrary laws were passed unchallenged. Among the most damaging was the Digital Security Act, later recast as the Cyber Security Act, widely criticised for stifling freedom of expression and enabling arbitrary arrests. Such measures became symbols of a legislature that failed in its duty to safeguard democratic freedoms.

Hopefully, this time, the presence of many young MPs and a strong opposition bench should ensure substantive debate on legislation and policies affecting citizens’ lives. Also, the opposition must remember that its role is to be constructive, not disruptive. The country cannot afford a return to habitual walkouts and street agitations that once paralysed parliamentary politics. Sharp disagreements are inevitable, but they must be addressed within the House, in language befitting its code of conduct. The Speaker’s role will be pivotal. Neutrality and equal opportunity for all members to speak are key to restoring public trust in parliamentary procedures. Women MPs must be given equal time to speak.

With a two-thirds majority, the BNP bears special responsibility. Power demands restraint. More than half of the new MPs are businesspeople, many from the ruling party. This raises legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest, an issue that also plagued past parliaments. MPs must not exploit public office to advance private business. Party leadership must remain vigilant against such transgressions. There are also reports that 11 winning BNP candidates are loan defaulters; most of them secured court stay orders to contest. Under the Representation of the People Order, defaulters are barred from running. If loans remain unpaid beyond the stay period, or if fresh defaults occur, the Election Commission has the authority to cancel membership. That rule must be enforced without any bias.

This parliament has the numbers, diversity, and generational shift to reset democratic norms. Whether it succeeds depends on integrity, accountability, and respect for the institution it now represents.