, March 12 -- Bangladesh's 13th Parliament started its five-year journey with its first session on Thursday morning, just one month on from the February 12 general election.

Unlike in the past however, the first session of the new parliament began with the Chair of Speaker vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are currently unavailable.

At the outset of the session, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver a welcome speech and nominate the name of a senior member of parliament to temporarily chair the House before election to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by Members of Parliament.

Following their elections, the session is likely to be adjourned for some time and the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker w...