Heated exchange in parliament over Hannan Masud's remarks on PM

A heated exchange and intense political debate broke out in Parliament today (21 June) over controversial remarks made by Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the general discussion on the FY2026-27 budget.

The incident took place during the 11th sitting of the second session of the 13th National Parliament, chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.

In his budget speech, NCP MP Hannan Masud accused the prime minister of using false or inaccurate information in speeches criticising opposition movements and called the proposed budget an "aspirational document" rather than a practical plan.

He also criticised what he termed a renewed culture of naming institutions after political figures after 2024, drawing parallels with the Awami League era and alleging similar practices involving a deputy minister's family.

Hannan further raised concerns over border killings, alleging attempts by some ministers to downplay the issue, which he called a threat to sovereignty. He also highlighted mob violence, child killings, rape, and robbery, and claimed prices of rice and edible oil rose immediately after the budget announcement.

His remarks drew strong objections from ruling party lawmakers. MP Zainul Abdin Farroque said there had been an understanding that no defamatory or unverified claims would be made in Parliament, and urged that the disputed portions be removed from the record.

"We are deeply angered by the comments made by the July movement leader and this lawmaker from Noakhali regarding the leader of the House," he said.

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam responded that allegations of falsehood must be specified, adding that MPs have the right to criticise the Prime Minister, who is also accountable to Parliament. He said the opposition's remarks reflected responses to statements by the House leader and reaffirmed commitment to democracy over authoritarianism.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rejected the claims, saying Hannan had made "clearly false allegations" against the Prime Minister and called for their expungement.

As tensions escalated, the Speaker intervened, directing Hannan Masud to take his seat and reminding members that Parliament was not "Shahbagh Square," stressing the need for discipline.

Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman said Parliament has its own rules and debates, urging that political arguments be settled outside the House and parliamentary responses be confined within it. 

He cautioned that disputes over truth and falsehood inside the chamber could become embarrassing for all sides and suggested avoiding any escalation of contentious issues. 

The speaker later said the matter would be reviewed in accordance with parliamentary rules and procedures before a final decision is taken.