How Parliament Works
A short guide to Bangladesh's parliament, the Jatiya Sangsad, and how it makes law and holds government to account.
Structure
The Jatiya Sangsad (House of the Nation) is Bangladesh's unicameral parliament, meaning it has a single chamber. [TO VERIFY: current number of seats and the reserved seats for women before publishing, as these can change by law.] Members are elected from single-member constituencies.
What parliament does
- Makes law: a bill must be passed by parliament and receive presidential assent to become law.
- Approves the budget: the government cannot spend public money without parliament's approval.
- Holds government to account: members can question ministers, and parliamentary committees examine the work of ministries in more detail.
Committees
Much of parliament's detailed scrutiny work happens in standing committees, which examine legislation and the work of specific ministries. See our Parliament Watch and Parliamentary Documents.
How a bill becomes law
- A bill is introduced in parliament.
- It may be referred to a committee for detailed review.
- Parliament debates and votes on it.
- If passed, it goes to the President for assent.
- Once assented to, it is published in the official gazette and becomes law.