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Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram has expressed deep concern and frustration over disorder, discourteous behaviour and violations of parliamentary rules by lawmakers, warning that the future of Parliament could face a serious threat if such conduct continues.
He made the remarks on Thursday (August 27) after heated exchanges and disruptions in the third session of the 13th Parliament over statements by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman.
The Speaker said strict adherence to the Rules of Procedure was essential to keep democracy functioning and make Parliament an effective institution for the people.
He said the opposition had every right to highlight the government’s shortcomings, but repeatedly shouting over a minister and preventing him from completing his speech could not be considered healthy parliamentary practice.
Recalling his nearly four decades of parliamentary experience, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad referred to bitter experiences of the past and urged lawmakers to learn from history and build a better Parliament.
Opposition Leader Calls for Neutrality
Following the Speaker’s remarks, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman again took part in the discussion. Citing past instances of statements being removed from parliamentary proceedings, he said the home minister’s remarks were clearly unparliamentary and that such incidents were occurring repeatedly.
He also protested remarks about the treasury bench having more members and called for the Speaker to maintain neutrality in conducting parliamentary proceedings.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he did not support dividing Parliament based on numbers or status. He said the opposition would cooperate with the government on good initiatives while protesting wrongdoing, and urged the Speaker to treat all lawmakers equally.
Lawmaker Questions Removal of Speech
Senior lawmaker Monirul Haque Chowdhury raised a point of order, expressing frustration after parts of his budget speech were removed from the proceedings for including a metaphorical story.
He asked the Speaker which word in his speech had been deemed unparliamentary. He also alleged that remarks targeting his beard and religious beliefs had hurt his dignity and the dignity of Parliament.
He sought a resolution to the issue and a formal response to his notice seeking a review.
‘Parliament Cannot Continue Like This for Long’
In his concluding remarks, the Speaker said he had not been present when the incident involving Monirul Haque Chowdhury occurred and would review the parliamentary proceedings. Necessary action would be taken if any unparliamentary remarks were found.
Warning all lawmakers, he said it was “extremely regrettable” that members were repeatedly preventing one another from speaking.
He warned that Parliament could not remain functional for long if lawmakers continued to ignore the Speaker’s directives to take their seats in accordance with parliamentary rules and conventions.
Expressing deep disappointment over the disorder, the Speaker urged all sides to exercise restraint. The sitting was later adjourned for Asr prayers.
