Bangladesh MPs can show respect to speaker's chair by religious custom

Members of Parliament in Bangladesh can now observe their religious customs when showing respect to the speaker's chair, according to a ruling by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. The decision aims to accommodate diverse religious practices within the parliamentary setting.

The ruling came after recent debates among MPs concerning the traditional method of showing respect upon entering the chamber. Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mujibur Rahman had previously opposed the practice of bowing the head, and BNP MP Zainul Abdin Farroque had called for a formal resolution on the matter.

“

Members of the parliament may show respect to the speaker’s chair in accordance with their respective religious practices.

Speaker Ahmad cited Rule 267(1) of the Rules of Procedure, which mandates that members "shall show respect to the Chair when entering or leaving the chamber, and when taking or leaving his seat." He further clarified that the word "bowing" was officially removed from this rule in 2006, following a report by a parliamentary standing committee. This amendment allows for a more inclusive interpretation of how respect is demonstrated.

“

During a sitting, a member shall show respect to the Chair when entering or leaving the chamber, and when taking or leaving his seat.