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A request for household appliances, including microwave ovens and washing machines, for lawmakers residing in government-allotted flats has ignited a significant debate in Bangladesh's parliament. The issue surfaced during a budget discussion when Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mizanur Rahman called for these amenities.

The remarks quickly drew widespread attention and sparked discussions on social media, prompting a response from Bangladesh Jatiya Party MP Andaleeve Rahman Partho. Partho stated his willingness to personally provide any necessary items, such as curtains or microwave ovens, and even suggested appealing to the prime minister for a washing machine. He argued that fulfilling these needs would properly set up MPs' households and prevent embarrassment for the parliament.

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If my colleague needs curtains or a microwave oven, I am ready to provide them myself. I would even ask the prime minister to give him a washing machine and the home minister to buy the curtains, so that his household is properly set up and parliament is spared embarrassment.

Speaking on a point of order, Partho expressed concern that such discussions were undermining the dignity of the House. He noted receiving phone calls and seeing media reports on the matter.

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The member did not make the request for himself, but on behalf of MPs living in government-allotted flats. It is not a serious issue, and debating it could send the wrong message to the public. Offering to provide the appliances personally may also be disrespectful.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad intervened, ruling that the issue was not a point of order and should not be prolonged. He clarified that the request was made on behalf of multiple MPs living in government flats, not for personal gain. The speaker cautioned that debating the matter could send the wrong message to the public and that personal offers of provision might be disrespectful.

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman also weighed in, supporting the view that Mizanur Rahman had raised the issue collectively. He urged fellow parliamentarians to maintain a mindset that respects everyone's dignity, emphasizing the need for mindfulness in their conduct.

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He is an experienced parliamentarian. He even went so far as to offer personally, saying he would provide everything. But did anyone actually ask him? Our mindset should be such that we do not stand here and undermine anyone’s dignity. I hope all of us will remain mindful of this.