Opposition Walks Out of Parliament Over Unannounced Bills

Parliamentary proceedings in Bangladesh were marked by a dramatic walkout from opposition lawmakers on Sunday, protesting the tabling of two amendment bills without adequate notice. The session concluded shortly after the opposition's departure.

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I have good news for you.

The controversial bills, the Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Bill and the Public Examinations (Offences) (Amendment) Bill, were introduced under a supplementary agenda towards the end of the day's session. The opposition objected to their introduction, but Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal allowed them to proceed, stating he had excused the timing. Both bills were subsequently referred to parliamentary committees for review.

The walkout occurred after Jamaat-e-Islami MP Shahjahan Chowdhury was denied the opportunity to speak on a point of order. LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was scheduled to deliver a statement, and the Deputy Speaker prioritized this over the opposition's point of order. Amid the ensuing protests, opposition members declared their intention to leave and exited the chamber.

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Let the statement come first. Why are you all so impatient!

Following the session, Jamaat MP Najibur Rahman explained the opposition's grievances, including being allotted less time than the ruling party, not receiving advance copies of the bills, and being denied the chance to raise points of order. The Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Bill aims to enhance the university's operational capabilities, including its Super Specialised Hospital, and empower it to invest in companies for expanding medical education and research. The Public Examinations (Offences) (Amendment) Bill seeks to strengthen legal measures against examination malpractice, such as question paper leaks and cheating, updating a law enacted 45 years ago.

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We are walking out