A debate erupted in parliament on Thursday over remarks on washing machines, microwaves and curtains for MPs living in government flats.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman raised questions over comments made by Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman Partho, while Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed urged lawmakers not to prolong the issue.
The controversy began after Partho criticised a budget proposal by Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md Mizanur Rahman, who had called for washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains in MPs’ allocated flats.
Speaking on a point of order, Partho said such demands were embarrassing for parliament and shifted focus away from public issues.
Partho criticises demand
Addressing the House, Partho said parliament had been restored after significant struggle and should maintain high standards. He argued that MPs serve as ambassadors of parliament and should focus on public concerns rather than personal facilities.
Referring to media reports on the issue, he said headlines about demands for washing machines, microwaves and curtains had caused him embarrassment and, in his view, had also embarrassed parliament.
Partho recalled that members of the 11-party alliance had earlier announced they would not accept government vehicles or plots. He remarked that if lawmakers could forgo such benefits, it was surprising to see demands for household appliances raised in parliament.
Partho added that he was speaking generally and seriously about maintaining parliamentary standards. However, he jokingly offered to provide a microwave oven personally if the concerned MP needed one. He also requested the Prime Minister to arrange a washing machine and said he would have requested the Home Minister to provide curtains if present.
Opposition leader objects
Responding to Partho’s remarks, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said such comments were not necessary.He noted that the Speaker had already observed that the matter was not appropriate for a point of order.
Shafiqur Rahman said the Jamaat MP had raised the issue for all lawmakers living in parliamentary accommodation, not for personal benefit. Questioning Partho’s offer, he asked who had requested a microwave oven from him.
Shafiqur Rahman said lawmakers should avoid making remarks that could undermine the dignity of fellow members and expressed hope that everyone would exercise greater caution in future.
Speaker calls for end to debate
The Speaker said he did not want further debate on the matter and urged members to move on to other issues.
He observed that Partho’s offer could also be viewed as disrespectful because the Jamaat MP had not sought the items for himself but had raised the matter on behalf of all MPs residing in parliamentary flats.
Earlier, the Speaker also delivered a ruling on the issue. He said budget discussions allow members to raise a wide range of matters and noted that the MP had spoken about facilities available to lawmakers.
The Speaker said it would have been better if the matter had not been raised in parliament, as it could create a different impression among the public. However, he stressed that the member had not committed any serious offence.
He noted that parliament has a House Committee that deals with furniture and other facilities for MPs. He said the issue could have been addressed through that mechanism instead of being discussed in the House.
The Speaker added that the items mentioned were not major issues and did not merit extended debate. He warned that continued arguments could send the wrong message outside parliament and urged all members to be more careful when speaking in future.
He said matters relating to personal or residential facilities should be taken up with the House Committee, which is responsible for resolving such issues.
