A technical glitch with the microphone briefly disrupted the opening proceedings in parliament on Thursday, forcing newly elected Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad to pause before delivering his first speech.
The first session of the 13th National Parliament began 11am. BNP Standing Committee member and MP Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad was elected Speaker of the National Parliament.
After a break, the first session resumed as BNP Standing Committee member and MP Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took the Speaker’s chair at 12:57pm.
As soon as he entered the chamber, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, along with other MPs, congratulated the new Speaker by thumping their desks.
Before starting the day’s proceedings, the Speaker attempted to switch on the microphone himself, but it did not work. At that moment, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat Kaniz Mowla and other officials became active in trying to fix the problem. They tapped the microphone as well, but it still did not function.
Later, the Sergeant-at-Arms approached the Speaker and placed a cordless microphone in front of him.
Taking the cordless microphone, Hafiz Uddin said, “I express my gratitude to every member for electing me. After 17 years, we have finally got an effective parliament.”
However, many MPs could not hear the Speaker’s opening remarks. Several members, including the Leader of the House, tried to listen using headphones.
Jamaat-e-Islami MP Saiful Alam Milon stood up to draw the Speaker’s attention and said, “Honourable Speaker, we cannot hear anything you are saying.”
Responding to the situation, the Speaker said, “Please be patient. A technical error has occurred. It will be resolved within two minutes.”
At that moment, the sound of the Zuhr Azan was heard. The Speaker then adjourned the session for 20 minutes.
Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. After taking the oath, he went to his office, where officials and staff congratulated him.
Before becoming Speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad withdrew himself from the BNP Standing Committee membership.
