Parliamentary speaker demands ministers' regular attendance

Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad reiterated his demand for cabinet members to attend parliamentary sessions consistently, asserting that no state function should take precedence over legislative proceedings. His remarks responded to Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman's concern about ministers' frequent absences during discussions related to their portfolios.

Following up on a previous day's discussion where the chief whip cited competing state duties as a reason for ministerial absence, the speaker directed the chief whip to impress upon ministers the need for punctual attendance. He stressed that ministers should be present, especially during budget discussions, to listen to Members of Parliament addressing their departmental activities and, if possible, take remedial action.

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Please do not try to hold group discussions inside parliament. Remain in your own seats, participate in the proceedings, and at least listen attentively.

Addressing parliamentary decorum, Ahmad agreed with the opposition leader's complaint about disruptive side conversations. He urged lawmakers to refrain from holding group discussions within the parliament, to remain in their seats, participate in proceedings, and listen attentively. On a separate note, Jamaat MP Shafiqul Islam Masud raised a point of order seeking updates on BNP MP Mirza Abbas's health and information on loan default cases against two BNP election candidates. The speaker clarified that issues under trial in court and rumors cannot be subjects of parliamentary discussion, while noting that Abbas had informed parliament of his improving health and intention to attend sessions upon recovery.

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Rumours surrounding Mirza Abbas and Sharif Osman Hadi have been fuelled further by [Indian politician] Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks. To prevent these issues from escalating, I demand a statement from the home minister.