Article 74 Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Speaker and Deputy Speaker
The Speaker controls debate, certifies Money Bills and rules on order in the House, so the impartiality of this office affects every law and every opposition voice. The continuity rule means the office is never empty in law.
When a new Parliament first meets after a general election, members nominate candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among themselves. The House votes and the winners are declared elected under clause (1). Where only one name is proposed, the motion is simply put to the House.
The newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker take their oaths of office before the President, as the Third Schedule provides. They then preside over the House, starting with the swearing-in of members and the business of the session.
If the Speaker is absent, unable to act, or acting as President, the Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker's functions under clause (3). If both offices are vacant, a member chosen under the rules of procedure presides.
A resolution to remove the Speaker needs at least 14 days' notice and the votes of a majority of all members, not only those present. While it is debated the Speaker cannot preside, but may speak and vote as a member.
In plain English
How Article 74 works
Article 74 says that at the first sitting after each general election, Parliament elects a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members. If either post falls vacant, it must be filled within seven days, or at the next meeting if Parliament is not sitting. The Speaker or Deputy Speaker leaves office on ceasing to be an MP, becoming a minister, resigning in writing to the President, or being removed by a resolution backed by a majority of all members after at least 14 days' notice. The Deputy Speaker acts when the Speaker is absent, unable to act or acting as President. Each holder stays in office until a successor takes over, even after dissolution.
In practice
After the 12th Parliament was dissolved on 6 August 2024, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury resigned by a letter to the President on 2 September 2024. Under clause (6) a Speaker normally continues until a successor enters office, so the resignation left the office vacant until a new Parliament met. At the first sitting of the 13th Parliament on 12 March 2026, the chair was vacant and a senior member presided while the House elected Major (retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad as Speaker and Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Both were sworn in by the President the same day.
The text
What Article 74 says
74. (1) Parliament shall at the first sitting after any general election elect from among its members a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, and if either office becomes vacant shall within seven days or, if Parliament is not then sitting, at its first meeting thereafter, elect one of its members to fill the vacancy.
(2) The Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office –
(a) if he ceases to be a member of Parliament;
(b) it he becomes a Minister;
(c) if Parliament passes a resolution (after not less than fourteen days' notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution) supported by the votes of a majority of all the members thereof, requiring his removal from office;
(d) it he resigns his office by writing under his hand delivered to the President;
(e) if after a general election another member enters upon that office; or
(f) in the case of the Deputy Speaker, if he enters upon the office of Speaker.
...
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (2) the Speaker or, as the case may be, the Deputy Speaker, shall be deemed to continue to hold office until his successor has entered upon office.
Key clauses shown. Omitted text is marked with an ellipsis; read the full text on the official site.
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. The Bangla text is authoritative (Article 153). Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
History
Amendments
- Fourth Amendment 1975 →Changed clause (3) to refer to the Speaker 'acting as President' instead of 'exercising the functions of the President' (section 10).
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 74: frequently asked questions
How is the Speaker elected in Bangladesh?
Under Article 74(1), Parliament elects the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its members at the first sitting after each general election. On 12 March 2026 the 13th Parliament elected Major (retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad as Speaker, with a single nomination for the post.
Can the Speaker be removed in Bangladesh?
Yes. Article 74(2)(c) allows removal by a resolution supported by a majority of all members of Parliament, after at least 14 days' notice. The Speaker also vacates office on ceasing to be an MP, becoming a minister or resigning in writing to the President.
Who acts as Speaker if the office is vacant?
The Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker's functions under Article 74(3). If that office is also vacant, a member determined under the rules of procedure presides, as happened when a senior member chaired the opening of the 13th Parliament in March 2026.
Sources
- Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Article 74 (Laws of Bangladesh)
- Prothom Alo English: Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury resigns (2 September 2024)
- Prothom Alo English: 13th parliament's first session begins (12 March 2026)
- Prothom Alo English: President administers oath to Speaker and Deputy Speaker (12 March 2026)
- Bernama: Bangladesh President dissolves parliament (6 August 2024)
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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