No state work is more important than parliament session: Speaker

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today (23 June) criticised the absence of several ministers during parliamentary proceedings and the practice of MPs engaging in small group discussions inside the House, saying such behaviour undermines parliamentary discipline.

He said neglecting parliament due to other state duties is not acceptable, as the House must remain the top priority.

"No state work is more important than a parliamentary session. Among all state activities, the parliamentary session has the highest priority," he said while responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman.

The opposition leader said ministers concerned with discussions are often absent from the House and that the absence of senior leaders is "disheartening" for MPs. He also objected to groups of lawmakers conversing among themselves during sessions, saying it disrupts order.

The speaker acknowledged such behaviour and urged MPs to remain in their seats and actively participate in proceedings. On ministerial absence, he directed the Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni to ensure that ministers attend parliament on time, adding that they should at least listen to relevant debates and respond where necessary.

At the start of the session, MPs raised concerns over delays in publishing a directory of lawmakers' contact details. The speaker said the "Telephone Directory 2026" is under preparation and will be published once MPs submit the required information.

The chief whip said MPs are facing difficulties due to a lack of updated contact numbers and urged the preparation of a consolidated directory, which the government assured would be completed soon.

During another point of order, Jamaat MP Shafiqul Islam sought a statement from the home minister on several issues, including the health condition of BNP MP Mirza Abbas and loan default-related cases involving several MPs.
 
He also alleged misinformation was being circulated about Mirza Abbas and Osman Bin Hadi, referring to remarks by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Chief whip objected, saying such matters should not be raised as points of order and that sub judice or unrelated issues should not take up parliamentary time.

The speaker later informed the house that Mirza Abbas had written, stating his health was improving. He added, "Rumours are never a subject for the national parliament."

The speaker also urged members to focus on matters of public interest and avoid wasting parliamentary time on irrelevant issues.