Jamaat MPs' appliance demand heats up JS

A debate erupted again in the National Parliament for second consecutive days over a demand to provide washing machines, microwave ovens, and curtains in residential flats allocated to Members of Parliament (MPs). 

The discussion began after Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and MP Barrister Andaleeb Rahman Partha criticized a proposal raised by Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mizanur Rahman.

Raising a point of order on Thursday, Partha said that Parliament is a place to highlight the problems and concerns of the people. He argued that discussing issues such as washing machines, microwave ovens, or curtains was not consistent with the dignity of Parliament. In a sarcastic remark, he said that if necessary, he would personally provide a microwave oven.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated that Mizanur Rahman had not made the proposal for his personal benefit but for the convenience of all residents of the MPs' residential buildings. The Speaker noted that the matter could have been raised in the relevant committee rather than in Parliament, but it was not a serious offense. He also commented that Partha’s offer to personally provide such an item could be considered disrespectful to the concerned MP.

Later, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the issue could indeed have been discussed in a committee. However, he emphasized that any mindset aimed at belittling or insulting others should be avoided. He stressed the importance of maintaining mutual respect within Parliament.

It is worth noting that during Wednesday's budget discussion, Chapainawabganj-2 MP Mizanur Rahman had demanded that curtains, washing machines, and microwave ovens be supplied to MPs' residential flats.

Meanwhile, putting an end to the ongoing debate over showing respect to the Speaker's chair in the parliamentary chamber, the Speaker announced that members would be free to pay respect according to their own religious customs and traditions. He explained that while the Rules of Procedure require members to show respect to the Chair, there is no mandatory instruction specifying how such respect must be demonstrated.