Parliament witnessed heated exchanges and chaos on Sunday during a general discussion on the proposed budget, after the ruling BNP demanded the expunction of remarks made by an opposition lawmaker regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The turmoil began during a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal when Abdul Hannan Masud, a lawmaker from the opposition National Citizen Party (NCP), took the floor.
Masud argued that while the proposed budget for 2026-27 fiscal year reflected the government’s aspirations, it remained far removed from reality.
He raised concerns regarding export growth, revenue collection, the budget deficit, and the implications of increased government borrowing from the banking sector. Masud further criticised the marginal increase in the tax-free income limit, food security measures, and market management.
The situation escalated when Masud turned his criticism toward Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman.
He claimed that Tarique, who was absent from the session, had provided “untrue” information in previous speeches regarding the opposition, specifically citing claims that the opposition was protesting against price hikes on cigarettes and alcohol.
Masud also took issue with the prime minister’s comments on loan defaulters, stating that by referring to those who do not take loans as “zamindars,” he was effectively encouraging defaulters.
“We do not want a Parliament where the prime minister provides untrue information,” Masud said.
These remarks sparked immediate protests from the Treasury Bench. BNP lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque expressed his outrage, asserting that a mutual understanding exists among parties to keep Parliament effective and that no statement should be “untrue or defamatory.”
He demanded that the “dishonourable” remarks about the Prime Minister be expunged from the record.
Supporting this, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, accused Masud of presenting misinformation and urged the Speaker to take action.
In response, the Opposition Chief Whip, Nahid Islam, defended the lawmaker’s right to criticise the Leader of the House, stating that democratic practice must be respected and any claims of “untruth” must be specifically identified.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman called for parliamentary decorum, suggesting that political rebuttals should be handled outside the House to avoid embarrassing and unnecessary debates over truth and falsehood.
The debate also touched upon internal security and sovereignty. Masud expressed grave concern over “mob culture,” citing incidents at Bangladesh Bank and BSS where officials were reportedly forced out by mobs.
He also criticised the Home Minister for remaining silent on a rape case involving a mother and daughter in his own constituency, despite providing statements on other matters. He noted that in the last four months, 118 children had been raped and 17 murdered.
On the issue of border killings, Masud accused the current administration of echoing the “Indian language” used by the previous “fascist Awami League government.”
He challenged the Home Minister’s assertion that not all border deaths should be classified as killings, stating, “Every border killing is a murder and a threat to our sovereignty.”
As the shouting continued, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal attempted to restore order, telling Masud that his time had expired. “Please take your seat. This is Parliament, not Shahbagh Square,” the deputy speaker remarked.
He concluded the session by stating that the matter would be reviewed in accordance with parliamentary rules and regulations before a final decision is made.
