Dhaka, June 10: The budget session of Bangladesh's national parliament started today without the main opposition Awami League, which boycotted the proceedings in protest of actions of the treasury bench. As expected, the Awami League members opted out from the proceedings with its deputy leader in parliament Abdul Hamid saying the decision to skip the start of the session was taken in the absence of any concrete assurance from the government.

But other smaller opposition groups attended the session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Abdul Hamid Siddique in the absence of the Speaker, who is indisposed. The session would continue till July 15.

Awami League's boycott began from the last session when they staged a walkout after complaining of switching off the microphone of the leader of the opposition when she was making a statement.

AL has only 58 MPs in the 300 member House as against 219 of the ruling alliance, which has two-third majority and can bring about any change to the constitution or enact any law it wishes.

Bureau Report