Heated debate over home minister’s remarks in JS

Parliament witnessed heated scenes on Sunday after Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed's statement on the disappearance and recovery of Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Jisan Mia Pradhan sparked strong objections from opposition lawmakers, with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal ordering a review of the minister's remarks.

The controversy prompted objections from opposition lawmakers, compelling the deputy speaker to order that review of the minister's remarks for possible removal from the parliamentary record.

The incident occurred during the sixth sitting of the second session and first budget session of the 13th National Parliament, when the Home Minister made his remark under Rule 300.

 Salahuddin said a General Diary (GD) had been filed following the disappearance of Jisan, assistant international affairs secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir, who reportedly went missing from Cumilla on June 11.

The minister said a police investigation found that Jisan had developed a relationship with a woman he met through social media; according to allegations, the woman accused him of raping her on the promise of marriage, and later-on forcing her to terminate a pregnancy.

He said the couple's marriage had been scheduled for 12 June, but Jisan allegedly went into hiding the previous night, and then police found out him from the Laksam area.

The Home Minister informed Parliament the woman had filed a case against Jisan and three others on charges of hypnotised-rape and causing the death of a foetus, adding,  two of the accused have already given confessional statements before a magistrate under Section 164.

Some verified social media accounts had blamed the government following reports of Jisan's disappearance and that he was presenting the facts before the public, he pointed out.

Following his remark, Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher objected, arguing that Rule 300 does not permit debate after such statements and alleging that the minister had used the opportunity to make political remarks against a particular organisation.

Taher questioned why the unresolved matter had been brought before Parliament and asked about Jisan's current whereabouts. His remarks triggered a heated exchange among lawmakers, with members from both sides standing and shouting.