Awami League Presidium Member and Member of Parliament (MP) from Sherpur-2 constituency Matia Chowdhury is set to be the next Deputy Leader of the Parliament.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the AL Parliamentary Party at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office with Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina presiding, reports BSS.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, MP, proposed Matia Chowdhury's name for the post which was seconded by Chief Whip of the parliament, Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton.
Information and Broadcasting Minister and AL Senior Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud told reporters after emerging from the meeting.
The post of deputy leader fell vacant after the death of Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury on September 11 last.
Former presidium member of ruling AL, Sajeda was appointed as the deputy leader of the 11th parliament for the third consecutive terms.
During the BNP-Jamaat government from 2001-06, the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia did not appoint anyone as deputy leader of the house.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government is determined to hold the next general election in a free and fair manner.
She also said that they who are well connected with the people and doing good works in their constituencies, will get nomination in the next election.
The prime minister called upon the lawmakers to talk to the people and tell them about the government's various development activities.
The Premier once again said they have no objection with BNP's ongoing anti-government movement, if it is peaceful.
But, she sounded a note of warning that if the BNP tries to create anarchy by resorting arson attack and vandalism, they will be dealt with iron hands.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
