DHAKA: The new cabinet on Monday (Jan 21) approved a draft speech to be delivered by President Abdul Hamid in the first session of the 11th parliament starting on January 30.

In the maiden meeting presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, members of the new cabinet gave nod to the draft speech, said Cabinet Secretary MD Shafiul Alam at a press briefing shortly after the meeting.

According to the section 73(2) of the constitution and rules of business, the cabinet division prepares the draft speech of the President to be delivered in parliament. 

Generally, the draft speech has been prepared in two forms. Main version of the speech has 75,000 words while shorter version of the speech with 6,000 words. 

As per the rule, the President will address the first session of new parliament on Jan 30 and the MPs will address on his speech all over the session.

On January 7, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina took oath as the country’s prime minister, along with 46 members of her new cabinet, following her party's massive victory in the December 30 general election. 

The new cabinet comprises 24 ministers, 19 state ministers and three deputy ministers.

BDST: 1628 HRS, JAN 21, 2019
RS/SMS