Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram has warned that continued shouting, discourteous behavior and violations of parliamentary rules could seriously threaten Parliament’s functioning.
He made the remarks during the third session of the 13th National Parliament on Thursday following a commotion and exchange of words over statements by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and the opposition leader.
“The Rules of Procedure must be strictly followed to keep the democracy achieved through many sacrifices functioning and to make this institution of the people effective,” he said.
“The opposition has full freedom to point out the shortcomings and lapses of the government. But shouting in unison and silencing a minister without allowing him to finish his statement cannot be a healthy parliamentary practice.”
Recalling his nearly 40 years of parliamentary experience, the speaker referred to the bitter history of the past and urged lawmakers to learn from it and work toward building a better Parliament.
Opposition leader’s remarks
The opposition leader later resumed the discussion, referring to past instances in which statements were removed from parliamentary proceedings or sent for review.
He said the home minister’s remarks were clearly unparliamentary and alleged that similar incidents had occurred repeatedly.
He also questioned the speaker’s impartiality and protested the Speaker’s remarks that the treasury bench had more members.
The opposition leader said he did not support dividing Parliament based on numbers or status. He said the opposition would support the government on good initiatives and protest against wrongdoing.
He expressed hope that the speaker would conduct proceedings impartially and ensure equal dignity for all lawmakers.
Manirul asks which word was unparliamentary
Lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury raised a point of order after part of his budget speech was removed from the proceedings for telling a metaphorical story.
He asked the speaker which word in his statement had been deemed unparliamentary.
Manirul also alleged that remarks about his beard and religious beliefs had undermined his personal dignity and the dignity of Parliament.
Seeking protection of his dignity, he asked the Speaker to respond formally to the notice and sought a resolution and ruling on the matter.
Speaker warns of consequences
Responding to the overall situation, Hafiz Uddin said he had not been present when the incident involving Manirul occurred and would review the proceedings.
He said necessary action would be taken if anything unparliamentary was found.
“It is extremely regrettable that members are being prevented from speaking in the way they are,” he said.
The Speaker warned that Parliament could not function for long if lawmakers failed to follow his direction to sit down when asked.
Expressing disappointment over the disorder, he urged all sides to exercise patience.
The session was later adjourned for Asr prayers.