Opposition BNP on Tuesday landed its support to a ruling party MP’s penalty proposal for badmouthing in parliament, aiming to reverse the growing trend of using vulgar and un-parliamentary words in the House.
“The treasury bench members are making derogatory and defamatory remarks against our party leaders. Now their MPs are saying that it should be stopped. Even one of them proposed fining Tk 30,000 for making such disparaging and aggressive remarks. We fully support it,” said senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed.
He came up with his party’s stance against badmouthing in the House while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. Free Thinkers’ Forum arranged the discussion, titled ‘Indian Container Terminal in Narayanganj: For whose interest?’
Earlier on Monday, Awami League MP Zunaid Ahmed Palak (Natore-3) urged the Speaker to take stern actions against the MPs using vulgar and un-parliamentary words in parliament undermining the dignity of the House and 350 MPs.
“Madam Speaker, you’ve the right to permanently expel any MP. I won’t ask you to take such serious action. I propose expelling those using vulgar words for one day at least from the House and fining Tk 30,000 for expunging each un-parliamentary word,” the AL young MP told the House taking part in discussions on the proposed national budget.
Moudud said joining the House with many expectations after a prolonged boycotting they urged the Speaker to create a healthy atmosphere for keeping the House functional.
He alleged that despite a good ruling by the Speaker warning the parliament members of not using indecent and defamatory remarks the ruling party MPs are instigating them to pursue the culture of using vulgar and un-parliamentary words.
Earlier on June 16, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in a ruling said the parliament members while delivering speeches, participating in discussions, debates and constructive criticisms will strictly follow the Sec 270 of the Rules of Procedure, which bars any remark in the House which contains “offensive, abusive, vulgar expressions”.
“I’ve earlier requested you to refrain from making indecorous, impolite, derogatory and defamatory remarks. I’m once again making the same appeal to you,” she said.
Moudud alleged they are not getting proper response from the treasury bench members on the important national issues like the India’s tender invitation for Indian Container Terminal in Narayanganj, Tipaimukh Dam, and transit.
He also demanded formation of an all-party parliamentary committee to pay a visit to the Tipaimukh Dam and inter-river linking projects.
The government after facing massive debacle in the recently-held city corporation polls has become desperate to win the Gazipur city corporations polls slated for July 6, Moudud said adding that the ruling party forced Awami League rebel candidate Jahangir Alam to stay off the race in the GCC election.
Turning to his party’s demand for restoration of the caretaker government, the BNP leader said his party-led 18-party alliance will not participate in the next general election unless it is held under a non-party caretaker government.
