Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday explained why opposition lawmakers remained largely silent during the passage of several bills in the Parliament, saying they were unable to take a clear position on those since they did not receive the necessary documents in advance.
In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the opposition could have raised their objection if any during the placement of a bill or even during the second reading. Raising such objections after getting enough time for discussion and the passage of a bill is not logical, he said.
Parliament ratifies 10 more ordinances
Following the passage of a bill after Magrib prayer, the Opposition Leader took the floor on point of order and raised their objection as they didn’t get enough time to review the documents of bills as the documents were being provided even while the session was going on.
“On one hand, the parliament session is going on, on the other hand, the documents have been provided here. Since I am a weak student, I do not understand anything. Now I can’t understand whether I should raise my hand or lower it down. If I, being a member of Parliament, say 'Yes' (in favour of a bill) or ‘No’ without understanding anything-- it will be a crime. That is why we have remained silent,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said there was a decision that all 133 ordinances be brought before Parliament and that relevant documents be provided to members in advance.
Noting that this decision was not properly maintained, he said a large number of documents were placed on the table while the House was already in session. At the same time, Parliament proceedings were ongoing, leaving them with no scope to properly review the bills, he said.
Without adequate time to study the bills, it would have been irresponsible to either support or oppose them, he said.
In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed the ordinances had been reviewed by a special parliamentary committee comprising members from both treasury and opposition benches and reached consensus over endorsement of a large number of ordinances promulgated during the interim government. The opposition lawmakers were given 10-15 minutes instead of two minutes to discuss the bills, he said.
“If it was to be objected to, it would have been considered after the raising of a bill and even during the second reading. So, I am extending thanks as the Leader of the opposition and the opposition members extended enough cooperation. They voted for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ understanding everything. On behalf of the ruling party, I thank you for this immense cooperation,” said Salahuddin.
Then opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan (Sirajganj-4) took the floor and disputed the minister’s claims, stating that the issues raised by the opposition were not adequately discussed in the special committee.
He reiterated that members had the right to speak on the bills in Parliament and should have been given sufficient opportunity to do so.
Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman also addressed the matter, referring to Article 93 of the Constitution, which outlines provisions related to ordinances.
He explained that ordinances must be placed before Parliament within 30 days and the government had complied with this requirement. He further clarified that ordinances not presented would lapse, while those placed before the House could either be approved or rejected.
The minister maintained that all procedures were followed in accordance with constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules. He also highlighted the efforts of officials involved in preparing the legislation, including those who worked extended hours to finalize the documents.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad acknowledged the concerns raised by the opposition leader, agreeing that receiving bills at the last moment makes meaningful discussion difficult. However, he noted that the urgency stemmed from the constitutional requirement to finalize the ordinances within a 30-day timeframe.
“Due to this time constraint, we had to proceed quickly,” the Speaker said, adding that efforts would be made in the future to ensure that members receive documents at least one or two days in advance.