100 additional seats allocated for students in parliament gallery

An additional 100 seats have been allocated for students in the visitors’ gallery of the Jatiya Sangsad to enable them to directly observe parliamentary proceedings.

The decision was approved by the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker following a demi-official (DO) letter from Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, according to an education ministry press release issued on Friday.

In his letter, the education minister said that in a democratic system, the national parliament reflects the sovereign will of the people and serves as the highest law-making body of the state.

He emphasised the importance of providing students with a clearer understanding of parliamentary democracy and the process of state policymaking. “Beyond theoretical knowledge from textbooks, direct observation of parliamentary activities can play an effective role in fostering patriotism and a sense of civic responsibility among students,” he said.

The letter also noted that of the 448 seats in the parliament’s visitors’ gallery, only 50 are currently reserved for children under 12. With the addition of 100 seats for students, a total of 150 learners will now be able to observe parliamentary sessions and gain practical exposure to the democratic process.

Following the speaker’s approval, students from across the country will be able to attend parliamentary sessions under the expanded arrangement.