Speaker unhappy over use of phones by lawmakers in parliament

Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today expressed dissatisfaction over the use of phones by MPs inside the chamber.

During the session, the Speaker urged lawmakers to maintain discipline by refraining from talking and using mobile phones inside the chamber.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The incident occurred while members were speaking on urgent public issues under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure.

After the allotted two minutes for reserved seat MP Shawkat Ara Akhtar ended, the Speaker drew attention to BNP reserved Nipun Roy Chowdhury, who was talking on his cell phone in the chamber.

The Speaker said, “Honourable Member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Shawkat Ara’s two minutes have ended, but your remarks are not yet finished. There is a lobby nearby -- please go there and finish (your conversation).”

The Speaker then requested members not to use mobile phones inside the chamber, saying: “Please! No one should use their phones here. The lobby is nearby -- go there, finish your conversation, and then return.”

This is the second time that the speaker urged lawmakers to refrain from using phones in the parliament.