Speaker urges restraint amid debate over MPs' demand for ovens, washing machines

‘Bowing to Chair not required for MPs’

FE Team | Published: June 18, 2026 23:59:03

A spirited exchange unfolded in parliament on Thursday after Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman criticised a Jamaat-e-Islami MP for demanding washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains for lawmakers residing in government flats, prompting intervention from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, report agencies.
Standing on the point of order, before the ongoing budget discussion, Andaleeve Rahman said parliament was restored after a difficult struggle and stressed the need to uphold its dignity and standards.
He lamented what he described as the decline in parliamentary standards during previous Awami League legislatures, saying the institution's democratic character had been undermined and its prestige diminished.
Referring to media reports about Jamaat MP Md Mizanur Rahman's demand for washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains for lawmakers' flats, Andaleeve Rahman said the issue caused embarrassment for both him and parliament as an institution.
"We are not only members of parliament; we are ambassadors of parliament. Whenever we go outside, we represent this House," he said.
The BJP chief argued that parliament should primarily be a platform for raising public concerns rather than discussing household facilities for MPs.
According to him, it appeared contradictory for lawmakers to publicly reject privileges such as plots and vehicles while later seeking appliances and furnishings for their residences.
In a sarcastic remark that drew attention in the House, he said if the Jamaat MP still needs a microwave oven or curtains, he will personally provide them.
Continuing the jibe, Andaleeve added that he will request the government to arrange a washing machine and curtains so that the MP's household could be 'properly settled.'
His remarks prompted a response from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who sought to defuse the matter and prevent it from escalating into a prolonged debate.
The Speaker noted that budget discussions traditionally allow members to speak on a wide range of issues and observed that the Jamaat lawmaker merely highlighted certain difficulties faced by MPs living in government flats.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad clarified that MPs are not required to bow to the Chair when entering, leaving, taking or vacating their seats in the House, as the relevant provision was removed from the Rules of Procedure two decades ago.
Delivering a ruling from the Chair, the Speaker said the issue was raised through points of order by lawmaker Mohammad Mujibur Rahman of Rajshahi-1 on June 16 and lawmaker Joynal Abdin Faruk of Noakhali-2 on June 17 regarding the practice of showing respect to the presiding officer by bowing.
The Speaker said he had earlier informed the House that the matter would be examined and a decision communicated after reviewing the relevant rules and records.
Referring to Rule 267(1) of the Rules of Procedure, he noted that the current provision states: "During a sitting of parliament, a member shall show respect to the Chair when entering or leaving the House and when taking or vacating his or her seat."
He said the word 'bowing' was removed from the rule through an amendment adopted in 2006. The Speaker explained that the Standing Committee on the Rules of Procedure of the Eighth Parliament submitted a report to the House on September 20, 2006.
The report was considered and adopted by Parliament on September 26, 2006, and included the amendment to Rule 267(1).