Dhaka, Feb 14 (V7N) — The oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected cabinet members is scheduled to be held by February 18, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid confirmed on Saturday. He stated that the Cabinet Secretariat is fully prepared to host the event.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Dr. Rashid said that the gazette notification for the 13th National Parliament elections has been issued and the names of those elected to the 297 parliamentary seats have been officially published. According to the law, newly elected members must take their parliamentary oath within three working days. Assuming the working day starts tomorrow, the oath-taking is expected to be completed by February 17.

Addressing who will administer the oath in the absence of the Speaker, the Cabinet Secretary said that if the Speaker cannot nominate someone, arrangements will be made for a government-nominated official to oversee the ceremony. In such a case, the oath could be administered by the Chief Justice or the Chief Election Commissioner.

Dr. Rashid also noted that around 1,000 guests, including dignitaries, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, marking the formal commencement of the new government.

The government’s preparations aim to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as the newly elected MPs and cabinet members assume their official responsibilities.

END/SMA/AJ