Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad criticised opposition lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah for his disruptive behavior during the discussion following the approval of the “July Uprising Memorial Museum Bill, 2026” on Friday.
During the session, opposition members voiced objections to the bill, prompting the Speaker to intervene.
In response to Hasnat Abdullah’s raised voice and apparent frustration, Speaker Hafiz Uddin sharply addressed him, saying, “This is not Shahbagh Square, this is the Parliament. Here, we must wait with patience, listen carefully, and verbal exchanges should be kept to a minimum. If you have concerns, submit a notice and we will address it.”
The exchange occurred during the 13th day of the 13th National Parliament session. Following the approval of the bill, opposition members raised issues, leading the Speaker to issue a ruling.
Hafiz Uddin commended both the government and opposition for their cooperation in passing 90 bills so far, highlighting that such a collaborative environment was rare in parliamentary history.
“I have seen six previous parliaments, and I can say this is the most cooperative and smooth environment we’ve had. In the past, there were sharp exchanges and offensive language between the government and opposition,” Speaker Hafiz Uddin remarked.
The Speaker called for maintaining decorum and patience, stressing the need for thoughtful discussion in Parliament. Referring to the remarks made by the Law Minister regarding the bill, he suggested that if the opposition had objections, they could discuss them further and even bring amendments in the next session.
Hafiz Uddin also emphasised the importance of cooperation, particularly in light of the successful completion of the July Uprising and the fair elections that brought the current parliament into existence.
“This Parliament has a unique beginning, with a large and robust opposition. Let’s work together and minimize differences, as democracy thrives on differing opinions,” he said.
The Speaker concluded by reassuring the opposition that their concerns would be heard and addressed, while also committing to upholding a balanced and respectful parliamentary environment.
