Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has expressed strong displeasure after spotting a member of parliament eating inside the main parliamentary chamber, prompting him to remark, “What more will you eat later, God knows.”
The incident occurred during the National Parliament session on Tuesday afternoon, sparking laughter and astonishment among those present.
According to parliamentary sources and eyewitnesses, the Speaker noticed from his chair that an MP was consuming something. As eating is strictly prohibited inside the chamber, the Speaker immediately asked the MP over the microphone what he was eating, specifically inquiring whether he was drinking tea.
The MP replied that he was not drinking tea but rather “hot water.”
Somewhat angered by the response, the Speaker retorted, “What more will you eat later, God knows.”
Under parliamentary convention, drinking tea, smoking, or consuming any kind of food is not permitted inside the chamber. Rule 311 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament states that the chamber cannot be used for any purpose other than formal sittings of Parliament.
Since eating or drinking is not part of the formal sitting, such actions are considered a violation of the rules, which are strictly enforced to maintain the dignity and discipline of the house.
The MP’s face was not visible on camera at the time, and his identity could not be confirmed immediately.
In the past, Speakers have issued stern instructions regarding mobile phone use or chatting inside the chamber. However, Tuesday’s incident of direct food consumption was the first of its kind in recent memory, drawing both surprise and amusement from other members present.
