Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday urged all members of parliament to uphold parliamentary norms and traditions and avoid abusive language, stressing that differences of opinion are a normal feature of a democratic parliamentary system.
“Differences of opinion are a normal feature of a democratic parliamentary system. Alongside expressing different views, active participation in parliamentary proceedings and maintaining an environment of mutual respect and cordiality enrich democratic practices,” he said while closing the third session of the 13th Parliament.
The Speaker made the remarks shortly after Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman called on all sides to shun a culture of abusive language in parliament.
“I hope all honourable members will uphold parliamentary rules and traditions in the coming sessions,” Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said.
He urged MPs to play responsible roles by keeping the interests of the country above all else.
The third session of the 13th Parliament began on Aug 27 and held nine sittings, the Speaker said.
During the session, six bills were introduced and six bills were passed. Besides legislative business, 35 parliamentary committees were formed, while one special committee was reconstituted.
Members also submitted notices on various important issues under different rules of parliamentary procedure, and the notices were disposed of in accordance with the rules.
Some 144 questions were submitted for the Prime Minister, of which he answered 15.
A total of 2,676 questions were submitted for answers by ministers of different ministries, of which ministers answered 1,678 during the session, the Speaker said.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad thanked the prime minister and Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, cabinet members, chief whips and all MPs for their cooperation in conducting parliamentary proceedings.
He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal and members of the panel of chairpersons for their wisdom, experience and cooperation in conducting the session smoothly.
The Speaker thanked officials and employees of the parliament secretariat, government ministries, divisions and offices, law enforcement agencies, doctors, fire service, public works department, power and telephone service providers for their support.
He also thanked journalists and representatives of national dailies, news agencies, Bangladesh Betar, Sangsad Bangladesh Television and private television channels for covering parliamentary proceedings.
“Maintaining mutual respect, tolerance and cordiality, and respecting parliamentary rules and procedures, we will strive to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
The Speaker then read out the order of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at about 8:23pm regarding the conclusion of the third session of the 13th Parliament.
