Two members of parliament have raised serious concerns over personal remarks made against them, with one alleging he was called a “militant” and another demanding justice over indecent comments directed at female lawmakers.
Madaripur-1 MP Saeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala told parliament on Thursday that while entering the Parliament building on 23 March to attend a funeral prayer, someone from behind remarked, “There goes that militant MP.”
“When I was about to enter from the South Plaza, someone from behind addressed me, ‘There goes that militant MP,'” Hanzala said during a point of order, with Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presiding.
He alleged that the comment was likely motivated by his attire, which includes a turban and a white panjabi.
“I believe that the Sunnah of the Prophet of Allah and this attire can never be a symbol of a militant,” he said.
Hanzala claimed that video of the incident had been circulating on social media and demanded an investigation using CCTV footage. He requested the Speaker to instruct the home minister and the Sergeant at Arms to identify the individual responsible.
“I believe that the dignity of this parliament has been offended by addressing a member of the National Parliament as a militant,” he added.
Rumina seeks justice over indecent remarks
Later taking the floor, independent MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana raised a separate issue, alleging that a male MP had made vulgar and indecent remarks about her and another female colleague during a sermon.
“News has been published today that another male MP present in this parliament has made vulgar and indecent remarks in a sermon about me and another female colleague. Their statements are undesirable. I am seeking justice in this matter,” she said.
She drew the Speaker’s attention to the issue and requested him to look into it.
The Speaker responded to Rumeen Farhana by saying the matter was unfortunate and asked her to submit a formal notice under special privilege, assuring that it would be considered.
