‘BNP in power without gas, electricity or fertiliser crises?’: Rumeen’s remarks spark uproar in parliament
Remarks by Brahmanbaria-2 independent MP Rumeen Farhana on corruption and the energy crisis during the BNP’s tenure sparked an uproar in parliament today.
As she criticised the BNP during her speech, ruling party MPs protested loudly. The exchange took place during discussions on the Bank Resolution (Amendment) Bill 2026.
In her speech, Rumeen said every government had its own defining characteristics.
“BNP comes to power and there is no gas or electricity crisis -- that cannot happen. BNP comes to power and there is no fertiliser crisis -- poor farmers do not loot fertiliser factories -- that cannot happen,” she said.
“BNP comes to power and Bangladesh does not become a champion in corruption -- that is impossible. BNP comes to power and Bangladesh does not top the list of loan defaults -- that cannot happen. BNP in power means loan defaults reaching Tk 6.6 trillion, and so on,” Rumeen added.
Her remarks triggered an uproar among BNP MPs, who began shouting in protest.
Rumeen added, “Mr Speaker, such intolerance in parliament makes it feel as though we are back in the Awami League era. Back then, when we criticised them, they also created an uproar. Now the BNP is behaving even worse.”
She further claimed that many MPs were known loan defaulters, recalling how candidates had rushed to court ahead of the election to clear their names.
When her allotted time ended, her microphone was switched off, but she continued speaking without it. Opposition MPs alleged that ruling party lawmakers hurled “objectionable remarks” at her.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal repeatedly tried to restore order, reminding lawmakers that every MP had the right to speak and that disrupting speeches was contrary to democratic norms.
He urged the chief whip to maintain discipline, saying members should respond to remarks during their own turns rather than shout down other speakers.
Later, Kishoreganj-5 independent MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was invited to speak, although the uproar continued. Rumeen and Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud remained on their feet in protest.
Hannan said no MP should be subjected to abusive language and urged opposition lawmakers to protest such conduct.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman questioned whether Rumeen’s rights as an MP had been upheld, saying, “We could not even understand what was said -- whether it was abuse or a blessing. How will this be recorded?”
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni responded that the parliament should solve problems, not create them, and urged healthy debate. He noted the government inherited a fragile economy and politics, and suggested MPs themselves must also be mindful when speaking.
The deputy speaker reminded the chief whip that his duty was to keep order, not allow disruption.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury lamented that the discussion had gone off-topic. “I don’t even understand what was said. This is unfortunate -- completely irrelevant debate.”
Shafiqur concluded that whether Rumeen’s remarks were valid or not, they were drowned out by chaos.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. When the bill was finally put to vote, ruling party MPs supported it with “yes” votes. The opposition remained silent, neither supporting nor opposing. Rumeen left the chamber during the passage of the bill.
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