Chaos erupted in Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday following a speech delivered by Rumin Farhana, the independent lawmaker for Brahmanbaria-2. Fellow MPs voiced loud protests as she criticised BNP, temporarily disrupting regular parliamentary proceedings.
The incident occurred on Wednesday during the discussion on passing Bank Resolution (Amendment) Bill.
Participating in the debate, Farhana said every government possesses a specific character, claiming that it is impossible for the BNP to come to power without causing gas and electricity crises, or without poor farmers looting fertiliser factories due to shortages.
Scathing critique and corruption claims
As shouting broke out across the House, Farhana alleged that it is equally impossible for the BNP to take power without Bangladesh topping the corruption index. She added that a BNP administration inevitably leads to record loan defaults exceeding Tk660,000 crore.
Amid ongoing commotion, Farhana commented that the parliament seemed so intolerant that it felt like a return to the Awami League era.
She claimed that while the Awami League used to make commotions when criticised, the BNP was now exhibiting similar, if not worse, behaviour.
She further alleged that most MPs in the current parliament are known loan defaulters who habitually file writs in the High Court before elections to clear their names.
Microphone cut and allegations of abuse
When her allocated time expired, Rumin’s microphone was switched off, but she continued speaking without it as the uproar persisted.
Standing in the House, she drew the Speaker’s attention, alleging that she had been subjected to obscene language. Despite repeated requests from the Speaker to take her seat, she remained standing.
Joining the protest, National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Abdul Hannan Masud stood up and spoke without a microphone, stating that an MP should not be verbally abused in such a manner.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who was presiding over the sitting, attempted to restore order alongside Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni.
Urging members to calm down, the deputy speaker emphasised that every member possesses freedom of speech and that obstructing an MP’s address violates democratic norms.
Addressing the chief whip directly, Kamal said members have the liberty to present their views and that opposition should be expressed when their turn comes, adding that obstructing speeches is entirely unacceptable.
As disorder continued, another independent MP, Mujibur Rahman, was called upon to speak on the bill after the Speaker again urged standing members to sit down. Rahman delivered his address while Farhana and Hannan Masud were seen standing and speaking.
Subsequently, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman said the Speaker holds the authority to rule on unparliamentary remarks and that the relevant minister can respond.
He added that it was completely unclear what Farhana had said, questioning whether she was delivering blessings or abuse, and whether she was truly able to present her speech.
Clash over house discipline
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said while they seek solutions to all problems in parliament, creating issues within the House is itself problematic.
Pointing out that the current administration inherited a fragile economy and politics, he noted that members must be mindful of their conduct, highlighting that Farhana had spoken in favour of the BNP only a few days prior.
In response, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal reminded the Chief Whip that maintaining House discipline is his primary responsibility, reiterating that while unparliamentary words will be expunged by the chair, obstructing a member’s speech is improper.
Joining the debate on the bill, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury expressed confusion over the exchange, stating he could not understand what was being discussed. He described the outbreak of completely irrelevant discussion during the bill’s consideration as unfortunate.
