Dhaka : Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad voiced dissatisfaction over the absence of ministers during a sitting of the parliament today, stressing that attending parliament should take precedence over all other engagements.
“Nothing is more important than attending parliament. MPs speak about their constituencies, and ministers should listen,” he said while addressing lawmakers just before the Maghrib prayer break.
Pressing the issue further, the speaker noted that only three ministers were visible in the front row.
Opposition MPs responded by banging on their desks in approval.
Earlier in the day, proceedings were disrupted when the home minister and the road transport minister arrived late, causing two urgent public importance notices to be presented and disposed of an hour behind schedule.
Confusion also arose during the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the president’s address. The speaker announced Netrokona-4 MP Lutfozzaman Babar was given ten minutes to speak. Babar, however, said he had not requested time.
The speaker then pointed to irregularities in the list of MPs who were stated to speak, telling the chief whip, “The list comes from you — first printed, then handwritten. But the speakers are not available.”
Responding to the concerns, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the absent ministers were accompanying the prime minister on an important visit to Jashore.
He added that MPs often prefer to speak in the presence of the PM.
“In fact, the prime minister is the soul of parliament. Everyone wants him to hear their speeches,” Moni said.
He further stated that Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Opu had spoken with Babar before including his name on the list, although Babar denied any such conversation.
Moni maintained that despite some ministers being away, a substantial number were present in the chamber.
“I counted more than 30. They are listening and will take necessary action,” he said.
