The first day (March 12, 2026) of the 13th National Parliament was marked by several notable moments, but what stood out most were the recurring subtle, “knowing” smiles. The expressions appeared across the chamber, from President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to senior leaders on both sides of the House.

There had been talks that MPs from the Jamaat-led opposition would walk out during President Shahabuddin’s address.

As soon as the president took his seat beside the speaker, opposition MPs stood up from their seats and began protesting. The protest quickly escalated into an uproar.

The commotion paused briefly for the national anthem but resumed immediately after it ended.

From Gallery-1, reserved for journalists, Shahabuddin’s expression was clearly visible. Beneath his neatly groomed moustache appeared a faint smirk. It seemed as though he had entered the chamber fully prepared for the unfolding drama.

Whether it was merely a smile or something tinged with irony is difficult to say. Yet the expression was striking, particularly as one of the protesters against his speech had previously taken the oath of office from Shahabuddin to join the interim government’s cabinet.

Moreover, the 133 ordinances — along with the orders related to the July Charter and the referendum that the opposition alliance is demanding be implemented — all bear Shahabuddin’s signature.

As nearly 80 MPs from the opposition alliance continued shouting in protest, the atmosphere in the chamber grew tense. When the chief whip requested the president to begin his address, Shahabuddin calmly started his address amid the noise, maintaining a composed demeanour that suggested he had expected nothing less.

The shouting persisted for some time. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appeared slightly concerned and was seen glancing towards LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed seated to his right.

From the gallery their conversation could not be heard, but the home minister appeared relaxed.

As soon as the opposition MPs staged their walkout, more than 200 MPs from the BNP-led coalition thumped their desks in support of the president’s speech.

At that moment, a restrained smile briefly crossed the prime minister’s face.

The smiles, however, did not end there.

Each time Shahabuddin referred to the past 17 years as “fascism” in his speech, Tarique Rahman was seen exchanging remarks with Mirza Fakhrul, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

From the gallery, the words remained inaudible. Yet the expressions were unmistakable.

The quiet, knowing smiles seemed to tell their own story.