AL walks out protesting attack on MP

The AL accused cadres of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of the ruling BNP, of the attack and demanded immediate punishment to them.

AL presidium member Abdus Samad Azad said commoners are living in great insecurity now and the life of lawmakers are not safe either.

"We are walking out of the House for two minutes to protest the attack on our party lawmaker," he said. "We will demand a statement from the home minister on our return although we know it would be a typical statement on his part."

The opposition lawmakers booed Law Minister Moudud Ahmed when he took the floor after Samad Azad was finished. Moudud then shot back at Samad Azad asking, "Who are you to dictate the House?"

The AL members left the House as soon as Moudud started to speak. At this point, the Chair gave floor to the home minister for a statement ignoring the law minister.

Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury assured the House of taking necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice for attacking the AL lawmaker.

"The AL lawmaker was leading a hostile procession in favour of hartal. The processionists were involved in damaging properties and looting valuables. At this stage, Abdul Hye along with some others were injured," he said.

The injured lawmaker was given first aid at the district hospital.

The AL lawmakers returned to the House after the home minister's statement.

Moudud Ahmed then took the floor and started criticising the opposition for the walkout. "It is a meaningless walkout and I condemn it."

AL lawmaker Advocate Rahmat Ali placed the issue before the House on a point of order.

Deputy Speaker adjourned the House till 4:00pm on Saturday.