Heated exchanges erupted in parliament on the third sitting day as lawmakers from the treasury and opposition benches clashed over a notice to implement the July National Charter and referendum results.
Leader of the Opposition in parliament Shafiqur Rahman raised the issue on a point of order at the start of Sunday’s sitting, seeking time for discussion and triggering sharp exchanges across the floor.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal – who presided over the sitting for the first time and delivered an opening speech – later set aside two hours on Tuesday for debate, to be taken up as the final item of the day.
Prayers were offered for Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and for the mother of Jashore-6 lawmaker Moktar Ali.
Proceedings then moved to discussions on matters of public importance under Rule 71.
Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman again sought permission to raise the notice on the July Charter and the formation of the Constitutional Reform Council.
“A decision can be taken after completion of Rule 71 proceedings,” said the Speaker.
Ruling party Chief Whip Nurul Islam said, “Rule 71 is the right of all members. After it concludes, the opposition leader’s notice can be discussed.
“I want to show respect to everyone,” said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
“The opposition leader has raised a proposal and was earlier asked to submit a notice as per the rules, with an assurance of time accordingly,” he added.
“Under established practice, such proposals come after the question-answer session and Rule 71 discussions. No one’s rights have been violated,” he said.
“The people’s expectation is clear — July Charter reforms must be implemented and the referendum results enforced,” said opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam.
“There is no scope for delay, yet the ruling party’s conduct suggests no referendum took place,” he added.
“I have knowingly placed the proposal at this time, as allowed under the rules,” said opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman, raising it under Rule 62.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman backed discussion, calling the issue important.
“There is confusion over the constitution, the July Charter, and the Constitutional Reform Implementation Order 2025,” he said.
As tensions escalated, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal proceeded with Rule 71 discussions.
“The proposal is not under Rule 62 but falls under Rule 68, which allows only half an hour,” said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
“To take it under Rule 62, it must be amended,” he added, asking if the opposition leader would revise it.
“Under Rule 63, matters requiring amendment of law cannot be discussed through an adjournment motion,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal then announced a two-hour discussion on Tuesday on the formation of the reform council and implementation of the July Charter.
The home minister was later denied the floor despite seeking to speak again and remained standing briefly.
Opposition MPs also raised their voices seeking the floor before proceedings moved on.
