Dhaka, March 13 -- Bangladesh's 13th Parliament has opened amid a storm of protest and political intrigue, with a dramatic walkout by opposition lawmakers and a condolence motion listing convicted 1971 war criminals.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, a seven-term BNP MP and veteran freedom fighter, was elected speaker, while Kayser Kamal was chosen as his deputy on Thursday.

To accommodate their new roles, Hafiz stepped down as liberation war affairs minister and Kayser as state minister for land.

In a swift cabinet reshuffle, BNP's Ahmed Azam Khan was sworn in by President Mohammed Sahabuddin at the parliament complex to fill the ministerial vacancy.

Following convention, the House adopted a condolence motion on the first day remembering distinguis...