Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has strongly protested remarks made in Parliament by Kishoreganj-4 lawmaker Fazlur Rahman, who reportedly commented on his family background and political ideology.
Speaking during the 23rd day of the first session of the National Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for the controversial portion of the lawmaker’s remarks to be expunged from the official parliamentary record.
Referring to Fazlur Rahman’s speech, he said, “With due respect, the honorable member is senior to me and has spoken about his role in the Liberation War. However, while describing his own contributions, he does not have the right to undermine or attack the contributions of others.”
He alleged that Fazlur Rahman had personally targeted him by questioning his identity, particularly his claim of belonging to a family of martyred freedom fighters. “He challenged this. Secondly, he said that no freedom fighter or member of a martyred freedom fighter’s family can be part of Jamaat-e-Islami. Does he expect me to seek his permission regarding my political affiliation or ideology? No such authority is granted by the Constitution or the state to interfere in such matters. I strongly condemn this,” he stated.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman further said that questioning his identity constituted a serious offence, while comments on his ideological stance amounted to an additional violation.
He urged the Speaker to expunge the “unparliamentary remarks” from the official proceedings. He also noted that discussions had taken place on the ongoing energy crisis, where he and others supported certain proposals that were later accepted by the Prime Minister.
Criticising Fazlur Rahman’s concluding remarks, he said, “The conclusion he has drawn reflects his mindset. I did not expect such behaviour from a senior politician and experienced parliamentarian.”
After Shafiqul Rahman concluded his speech, the Speaker stated, “If any unparliamentary words or remarks are found in the statements of Members of Parliament, those will be expunged in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.”