Jatiya Sangsad erupts in protest over Home Minister’s remarks

Tensions erupted in the Jatiya Sangsad during the opening day of the third session of the 13th parliament on Thursday. The disruption was triggered by remarks made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during a question-and-answer segment.

While responding to a query from Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah, the Home Minister remarked that he could not discern if the inquiry was a proper parliamentary question or a “political speech delivered at Paltan.” Additionally, in response to allegations from Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shafiqul Islam Masud regarding lawlessness and the arrest of opposition members, the Home Minister stated that giving a speech at Shahbagh Square is not the same as speaking in parliament.

Opposition lawmakers accused the Home Minister of belittling them, leading to shouting and protests that paralyzed proceedings for approximately 10 minutes. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed intervened to restore order, warning that “democracy will fail if there is no mutual tolerance” and expressing concern regarding the future of the parliament. The Speaker emphasized that the current era allows for the criticism of the government and assured the opposition they would have space to respond.