Dy Speaker critical of MPs for censuring Prof Sayeed

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Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali on Monday slammed the members of parliament (MPs) for censuring noted litterateur Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed in parliament for his reported remarks against ministers and MPs, reports UNB.
"The way the MPs criticised Biswa Sahitya Kendra founder Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed in parliament was inappropriate. They (MPs) should know what he actually said before lambasting him," the deputy speaker said.
Shawkat Ali was talking to reporters after a discussion at the Ministers' Hostel at parliament building.
On Sunday, a number of ruling party MPs swiped at Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, a trustee member of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and urged the Speaker to summon him to substantiate his 'sweeping' allegations.
They claimed that Prof Abu Sayeed at a TIB function termed the MPs and ministers 'thieves and robbers'.
Prof Ali Ashraf, a member of the panel of Chairmen, was presiding over the session in absence of Speaker Abdul Hamid Advocate and Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior treasury bench MPs were also present in the House.
Shawkat Ali said had he been there in the chair he would not have allowed the MPs to discuss the matter. "Such harsh discussion on a respectable person like Prof Abu Sayeed was improper. One member can make such a mistake but three can't."
The deputy speaker said he saw only one newspaper carried the news item on his remarks. Prof Abu Sayeed also said he did not make any sweeping comment against the MPs. "Then, why did they come up with such sharp reactions in parliament?" he questioned. "Parliament is not an ordinary place to react to everything. Prof Abu Sayeed is a revered person. I, at least, respect him. Before raising any allegation against him, one should have clear knowledge about that," the deputy speaker said.
Asked whether he will raise the issue in Parliament again, he said he would not voluntarily tell anything unless anyone takes up the issue again.
Lone independent MP advocate Fazlul Azim who initiated the debate in Parliament said the remarks made by Prof Abu Sayeed are irresponsible and unfortunate.
Agreeing with the MPs, Prof Ali Ashraf said it is not an isolated statement. "It's a very bad signal. We can summon him to parliament and he'll have to apologise unconditionally."