High Presence of New Faces in the 13th National Parliament, 76 Percent Members First-Timers

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

The 13th National Parliament reflects a major generational shift. Analysis of the election results shows that out of 300 seats, 227 individuals are set to take office as Members of Parliament for the first time. That means approximately 76 percent of the total members are new faces.

Voting was held in 299 constituencies last Thursday. Polling in Sherpur-3 was postponed due to the death of a candidate. Additionally, publication of the gazette for the results of two constituencies has been stayed by court order. It is known that BNP-backed candidates have won in those two seats as well.

In this election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won 211 seats on its own. As alliance partners, three candidates from Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) were elected. Altogether, the BNP-led alliance holds 214 seats. Of them, 150 are first-time MPs, which accounts for about 70 percent of the alliance’s total elected members.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. Its alliance partner, the National Citizen Party (NCP), won six seats, and all six were first-time candidates elected to Parliament. In addition, three more candidates were elected from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Khelafat Majlis. Altogether, the Jamaat-backed alliance holds 77 seats, of which at least 72 are new MPs—approximately 95 percent.

Another notable aspect of the 13th Parliament is that several top party leaders have been elected as MPs for the first time. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman won in both Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 constituencies. Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque won in Patuakhali-3. NCP Convener Nahid Islam won from Dhaka-11.

Additionally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Jonayed Saki, although they contested elections in the past, are entering Parliament for the first time this year.

According to Election Commission data, 273 independent candidates contested the election; seven of them won, and five are entering Parliament for the first time.

Professor Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, retired professor of the Government and Politics Department at Jahangirnagar University, believes there was a clear desire for change among voters. Political parties also prioritized new faces accordingly. In his words, “This election was essentially an election for change.”

However, he cautioned that parliamentary procedures, standing committee work, and the legislative process are complex. Lack of experience may pose a challenge for new members. In his view, if the enthusiasm of newcomers can be combined with the guidance of experienced lawmakers, the 13th National Parliament could become effective and vibrant.