Article 73 President's address to Parliament
President’s address and messages to Parliament
The address is the formal opening of each parliamentary year and a key moment for setting out national policy. The debate on it lets both government and opposition put their views on record.
At the first session after a general election, and the first session of each year, the President comes to Parliament and delivers an address under Article 73(2). The text is normally prepared with the government and reviews national policy.
Clause (3) requires Parliament to discuss the matters referred to in the address. Members move and debate a motion of thanks, using it to praise or criticise the government's policies. The debate may run over several sittings before the motion is voted on.
Between addresses, the President may send a written message to Parliament on any matter. The House must then discuss what the message raises, giving the head of state a formal channel to the legislature. Such messages are uncommon in practice.
In plain English
How Article 73 works
Article 73 lets the President address Parliament and send it messages at any time. Two addresses are compulsory: at the start of the first session after a general election, and at the start of the first session of each year. After the President addresses Parliament or sends a message, the House must discuss the matters raised. Because the President acts on the Prime Minister's advice in most matters, the annual address usually sets out the government's record and plans, and the debate that follows gives members a chance to scrutinise them.
In practice
The annual presidential address, prepared with the government, is delivered at the first session of each calendar year and followed by a debate on a motion of thanks that can run for many sittings. Separate messages under clause (1) are rare. The address at the first session of a new Parliament also marks the start of its term. Opposition members often use the debate to set out alternative priorities for the year.
The text
What Article 73 says
73. (1) The President may address Parliament and may send messages thereto.
(2) At the commencement of the first session after a general election of members of Parliament and at the commencement of the first session of each year the President shall address Parliament.
(3) Parliament shall, after the presentation of an address by the President, or the receipt of a message from him, discuss the matter referred to in such address or message.
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 73: frequently asked questions
When does the President address Parliament in Bangladesh?
Under Article 73(2), the President must address Parliament at the start of the first session after each general election and at the start of the first session of every year. The President may also address it or send messages at other times.
Must Parliament debate the President's speech?
Yes. Article 73(3) requires Parliament to discuss the matters referred to in the President's address or message. In practice this happens through a debate on a motion of thanks moved by a government member.
Sources
This guide explains the Constitution for general understanding. It is not legal advice. Constitutional reform proposals under discussion in 2026 are described as proposals until enacted.
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