MPs trade fascist accusations in heated budget debate

A heated exchange erupted in the Bangladeshi parliament as ministers and opposition MPs hurled accusations of fascist behavior during a budget debate. The controversy ignited when National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Abdul Hannan Masud accused the prime minister of making "false" claims and criticized the opposition's stance on the proposed 2026-27 budget.

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The honourable prime minister is not present today. But we are deeply disappointed when he makes false claims, such as saying the opposition is protesting because liquor or cigarette prices have increased. Such statements from the prime minister are disheartening.

Hannan Masud voiced disappointment over the prime minister's remarks, particularly those suggesting the opposition protested liquor and cigarette price hikes. He argued that such statements were disheartening, especially when the prime minister dismissed concerns about loan defaults and the takeover of Islami Bank by labeling opposition members as "landlords who have never taken loans." The MP asserted that these comments implicitly encourage loan defaulters.

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We are sitting in a parliament formed after the overthrow of fascism. Many of us endured persecution. Yet we now hear ministers using the same language of appeasement towards India that the Awami League once used. Even the home minister echoes that fascist rhetoric by saying border killings should not be described as killings. We maintain that every border killing is murder and a threat to our sovereignty.

The tension escalated as Hannan Masud accused ministers of using appeasement language towards India, mirroring rhetoric the Awami League once employed. He specifically cited the home minister's statement that border killings should not be termed as such, maintaining that "every border killing is murder and a threat to our sovereignty." This drew objections from BNP MP Zainul Abdin Farroque, who demanded parts of the remarks be expunged.

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That is not correct. The opposition member clearly accused the prime minister of making false statements.

Ruling party MPs protested loudly, with LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accusing the opposition of exhibiting fascist behavior and demanding the right to respond. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal intervened, urging MP Hannan Masud to sit down and reminding him that "this is not Shahbagh Square; this is the national parliament." Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman suggested that debating the truthfulness of statements could become embarrassing for all involved, leading the Deputy Speaker to announce the matter would be reviewed.

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Let us speak. You call us fascists, but the fascist behaviour is coming from your side. You must allow us to respond.