Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Sunday urged lawmakers to refrain from any conduct that undermines the dignity of the Jatiya Sangsad, after a Jamaat-e-Islami MP protested at remarks and jeers from some ruling party members while Jamaat MP Amir Hamza was putting a question during the question-answer session.
Speaking on a point of order in parliament this evening, Jamaat MP Shahjahan Chowdhury voiced displeasure over the comments and sought the Speaker's intervention to protect the dignity of members, requesting a ruling on the matter.
Responding, the Speaker said no member should behave in a manner that damages the dignity of parliament.
He said any objectionable words used by a member would be expunged from the proceedings, and other members would be given the opportunity to respond if necessary.
Earlier, before the Maghrib break, Amir Hamza raised starred question no. 543 during the question-answer session. Ruling party MPs were seen making a commotion after the Deputy Speaker announced his name, and some of them were also heard passing remarks without microphones.
Food Minister Afroza Khanam later answered the question, after which Amir Hamza put a supplementary question.
Speaker took the chair after the Maghrib break and responded to Shahjahan Chowdhury's point of order.
Addressing the Speaker, Shahjahan Chowdhury said, "You are the guardian of the 350 members of this House. You will look after the dignity of all our honourable members above all, and as guardian, you will guide us."
He said: "One of our honourable members is Amir Hamza, a distinguished Islamic scholar and orator. The way some members commented on him while he was putting his question, mentioning his name, and the noise made in the House, amounts to infringing the privilege of a member."
The Jamaat MP added: "Honourable Speaker, so far you have upheld the dignity of members on both the government and opposition sides equally. I want to bring to your attention the manner in which remarks were made naming a member. I expect that, as guardian of this House, you will give a ruling on the matter."
In reply, the Speaker said the public has great faith in this parliament, which was formed through a fair election after 15 years of hardship.
"Wherever I get the opportunity to speak outside, I always say that, in my view, this is the most beautifully constituted of the seven parliaments I have seen, and is made up of capable people," he said. "There are many learned and educated people in this parliament. The greatest merit of this parliament is that it was formed through a fair election."
The Speaker said the preceding 15 years were a dark period that everyone had endured.
"Many members from both sides spent time in jail without trial. Leader of the nation Begum Khaleda Zia was held in confinement for six years. She received no justice, no food and no medical treatment. We have got this parliament after overcoming many hardships," he said.
He said people now had great hopes and expectations of the lawmakers, and the public was following parliamentary proceedings more closely than at any time in the past. "People will form their impression of this parliament based on your conduct," he said.
Recalling past politics, the Speaker said parliaments in which he had served witnessed fierce abuse and unseemly language.
"Even highly objectionable remarks were made from behind against the then opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia. We faced many bad situations like this. We want to leave those days behind," he said.
He said the aim was to build a parliament that the people could rely upon, for which every member was responsible.
"The treasury bench has its responsibilities, as does the opposition bench. Independent members also have responsibilities," he said.
The Speaker told the members they were elected representatives of the people and understood matters no less than he did.
"Please do not behave in any way that undermines the dignity of parliament. If a member, while speaking, says anything objectionable, it will be expunged. And if you feel the need to reply, that opportunity will also be given," he said.
Urging members to show greater tolerance, he said: "You must listen patiently to what others say. There is freedom of speech, and we all take pride in it. I hope none of you will behave in a way that harms the honour of any member. I request you humbly."
The controversy surrounding Kushtia-3 Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mufti Amir Hamza has intensified following allegations involving leaked audio recordings, questions over his conduct towards women and fresh criticism of his public remarks.
The controversy began in early November when Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Md Rashed Khan claimed that he had obtained audio and video recordings involving the lawmaker in connection with alleged personal conversations with women.
Khan shared an excerpt of an audio recording on social media, in which a voice identified as Amir Hamza’s could reportedly be heard expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness.
The issue prompted further criticism after more than 100 women took part in a protest rally in Kushtia on November 12, demanding his resignation from Parliament and a proper investigation into the allegations.
Protesters also accused the MP of making derogatory remarks about women at religious gatherings and other public events.