Lawmakers, who used abusive and indecent language in the assembly, now say they feel embarrassed in social and family circles, and therefore wish to stop using bad language in parliament to uphold the dignity of the House.
They said the mentality of ruling Awami League (AL) and main opposition BNP must change.
Senior politicians and commentators said the culture of using derogatory language needs to stop. It was most common among a handful of MPs and particularly the female reserve seat parliamentarians, who were possibly using such language to please their respective leaders, because they are not elected through direct voting but selected by the parties, many politicians said.
AL President Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia are the ones who choose candidates for the female reserve seats.
BNP’s Shammi Akter, one of the female MPs from reserved seats, told the Dhaka Tribune that the Desh TV did not broadcast the “good portion”of her speech, but admitted: “I was really embarrassed as my son watched the last line of my speech (containing slang words she quoted from a poem by Helal Hafiz) and asked me, mother did you use such a bad word in parliament?”
Shammi said when ruling party MPs attacked the BNP and its leaders, they felt that they have to counter them. “We have to defend ourselves, even if we do not like it. But we think it must be stopped immediately as people do not like it.”
Rasheda Begum Hira, another BNP MP from reserve seat, said: “This is bad practice, no doubt. They (AL) started it first. If they stop, we will stop immediately.”
BNP lawmaker Nazrul Islam Manju said: “I have seen [Rehana Akter] Ranu very upset after her budget speech that contained some (objectionable) words. She was embarrassed and did not return to the House after the Magrib recess.”
He said: “Our MPs are really embarrassed for the expressions, but it is not possible to digest words attacking our leaders.
They (AL and the prime minister) must stop this practice. They (AL lawmakers) speak like that only to please their leader.”
AL MP Fajilatun Nessa Bappy, who made objectionable comments against Khaleda Zia, her husband and sons, told the Dhaka Tribue: “We do not want such bad mouthing continue. This must be stopped. The speaker would have to play her part to stop this unhealthy competition.”
Former Speaker and BNP MP Jamiruddin said AL MPs were the first to use inappropriate language.
“They (AL) use bad words against our leaders to please their top leader, and we reply in similar fashion to please our leader.” Sircar observed only the top leadership could stop the use of such language by setting an example.
Prof Nizam Uddin Ahmed, a professor of University of Chittagong and close watcher of parliamentary practices, agrees with the former speaker. He said: “If the prime minister and the guardian of the House (Speaker) want, such practice would be gone overnight. Then the opposition would be at fault for uttering such foul words. Unless, the political leadership’s attitude changes, such practice will continue.”