Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah on Sunday said the country needs not only freedom of expression but also the freedom to disagree in parliament.
He said “Freedom of expression also existed during the Awami League regime. However, that was freedom only for agreement. In this parliament, we want not only the freedom to express opinions but also the freedom to disagree.”
Hasnat mentions “The parliament was formed after much blood, struggle and sacrifice.”
Yet he expressed disappointment over what he called a growing trend of blame games, labelling and suppression of opposing views.
He claims “Campus instability has returned. Cases are being filed in the name of suppressing opposition views. People are being picked up from their homes. People are also being picked up for criticising.”
“The country is returning to an old culture” he added.
The NCP leader said he wants to openly criticise the Prime Minister inside parliament.
“We do not want to fear pressing backspace on Facebook,” he said adding “But an atmosphere of fear is being created again.”
He further said parliament cannot understand public suffering while sitting in comfort.
“We cannot understand load shedding while sitting in air-conditioned rooms, riding AC cars and staying in fully powered homes,” he said.
“Those of us in parliament are among the most privileged in the country. We must go to the people to understand their problems,” he added.
The NCP leader said that divisive politics has started again. However, he said “BNP will not benefit, Jamaat will not benefit, and NCP will not benefit. Defeated forces will gain advantage from it.”
