Dhaka, March 12 -- The 13th Parliament began its five-year journey with its first session on Thursday, just a month after the February 12 general election, raising public expectations for a vibrant and effective legislature with the presence of true opposition in the House after 12 years.

The maiden session of the newly formed parliament started at 11:05am with the recitation from the holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech from Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

However, unlike in the past, the first session of the new parliament began with the Speaker's chair vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (of the previous 12th parliament) are currently unavailable.

At the outset of the session, Leader of the House ...