Salahuddin’s Shahbagh comparison sparks prolonged uproar in parliament
Opposition MPs erupted in protest today after Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed compared their speeches to those delivered at Shahbagh Square and Paltan Maidan, triggering a prolonged uproar in parliament.
Amid the commotion, Salahuddin withdrew his remarks, but opposition lawmakers continued protesting, demanding that he express regret and that the comments be expunged from the parliamentary record.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad intervened and said he would review the minister's speech to determine whether the remarks were "unparliamentary". He also expressed concern over the disorder in the chamber.
“I am worried about the future of this parliament. Today, I witnessed attempts to obstruct one another’s right to speak, and that is not a good sign for the House,” he said.
The Speaker reminded lawmakers that democracy had been achieved through great struggle and that every MP had a responsibility to safeguard it. He urged them to follow the rules of procedure.
"When the Speaker speaks, everyone must sit and listen. If these rules and principles are not respected and are violated, then this parliament will not be able to function for long," he said.
The chaos began when Jamaat MP Shafikul Islam, in a supplementary question, drew the home minister's attention to the recent law and order situation and attacks on several MPs.
Shafikul said he was deeply concerned about the law and order situation, including armed robberies carried out in broad daylight.
“We are seeing elected members of parliament being attacked. And when opposition MPs are assaulted, instead of arresting those accused in the cases, false and fabricated cases are filed and opposition leaders and activists are arrested on those charges. In this context, I want to know what steps the home minister has taken,” he said.
Home minister initially said he had been inattentive for a minute and asked Shafikul to repeat the question. Shafikul then restated it.
"Giving a speech at Shahbagh Square is not the same as speaking in the parliament," Salahuddin replied.
The remark drew strong objections from opposition members, who stood up and created an uproar.
The home minister said he had not targeted anyone. As the protests continued, he told the Speaker, “Honourable Speaker, I seek your protection.”
Salahuddin then withdrew his comments, but opposition MPs continued to demand an expression of regret and the expunging of the remarks.
Speaker urged MPs to remain calm and seated.
"This is not the Awami League era. Here you are free to criticise the government as you wish. Please, sit down and wait. Listen to the minister's reply first, then respond if necessary," he said.
Despite the uproar, the home minister resumed his speech.
"You must provide specific details, where exactly did the robbery occur, which accused were not arrested? General statements cannot be addressed. If MPs are attacked, what remedy is sought? Specific questions are needed. This is the national parliament," he said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Speaker then gave the floor to Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman. As he spoke, some ruling party MPs heckled him.
"This is improper. If comments are made during my speech, there is no point in me standing here," he said.
Shafiqur continued, saying that although the minister had not repeated his remarks, he had "repeatedly belittled everyone" since the beginning of the session.
"He even dared to say he would act as a teacher in this parliament. We did not come here to be his students. If he wants to teach, let him open a university where people can enroll and listen to his lectures," he said.
"Today, he attacked [us] twice. My colleagues and I believe this is not parliamentary culture, it is parliamentary fascism. This should not happen," he added.
Earlier, NCP MP Abul Hasanat had raised a question about the law and order situation. In reply, Salahuddin said, "I could not understand whether this was a question or a speech from Paltan."
The opposition leader demanded that, for the dignity of the parliament, the home minister express regret and have his remarks expunged.
"Only then will the opposition remain in the chamber. Otherwise, we cannot sit here under insult," he said.
"If the rules of procedure are not followed, parliament cannot function," the Speaker said.
"I am noticing growing intolerance among some members. Parliament is elected for five years, and everyone has the freedom to speak," he added.
He assured the House that he would review the minister's remarks and expunge anything found to be unparliamentary.
In response, the opposition leader said there was no need for a review of the day's incident.
"Today's matter is clear. There is no need for review. At the end, you remarked that the government side has three times more members. That did not feel right. I do not support dividing parliament by numbers. From the beginning, we have said we will unite for good causes and protest against injustice. That protest may please some and displease others, but it must be handled in the right spirit," he said.
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