Chief Whip Nurul Islam recited a poem at Parliament on Thursday honoring Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the first such tribute at the 13th Parliament.

The Chief Whip formally congratulated the Prime Minister on his inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The announcement was met with enthusiastic desk-thumping from treasury bench members.

"Our leader and Leader of the House, Tarique Rahman, has been honored as one of the world's 100 most influential personalities," Nurul Islam said. "This honour for the Prime Minister is an honor for the nation. On behalf of this Parliament, I offer my sincere congratulations."

Following his speech, Nurul Islam recited a poem dedicated to the Prime Minister though he did not disclose the author’s identity.

This follows a similar occurrence on March 13, just a day after the Thirteenth Parliament’s journey began on March 12. During that session, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, recited a poem by the late renowned poet Al Mahmud in honor of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

During the previous Awami League tenure, such displays were common, with former Science and Technology Minister Yafes Osman and folk artist Momtaz Begum being the most prominent performers.

While these tributes are a staple of parliamentary culture in Bangladesh, they have frequently sparked debate and "trolling" on social media.

Highlighting the government's progress since its inception two months ago, Nurul Islam Moni noted that the Prime Minister has revitalised public hope after returning to the country following a 17-year absence.

"He began implementing his vision before the ink on the voters' fingers had even dried," the Chief Whip said.

Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal echoed these sentiments, describing the Prime Minister’s international recognition as an achievement for the entire nation.