The opposition in Parliament staged a walkout on Wednesday accusing the government of ‘undervaluing’ their proposal to convene a Constitution Reform Council and attempting to override it with a counter initiative.
Led by Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the lawmakers exited the House during a Point of Order after expressing frustration over the lack of a definitive ruling from the Speaker on their previously discussed adjournment motion.
This marks the second walkout by the opposition within the first six working days of the 13th Parliament’s maiden session.
Previously, they walked out on February 12 following the President’s speech.
The dispute stems from an adjournment motion moved on Tuesday regarding the failure to convene the Constitution Reform Council.
During that session, the government proposed forming an all-party special parliamentary committee to oversee constitutional amendments.
The opposition rejected this saying any such committee must ensure equal representation from both the treasury and opposition benches to be ‘meaningful.’
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the issue pertains to ‘national aspirations’ and the mandate of 70 percent of the population expressed through a referendum.
"We expected a remedy through the Speaker, but we remain unclear on whether any decision was reached. We feel the people’s mandate is being ignored," he said.
Responding to the opposition leader, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said admitting the adjournment motion was itself a gesture of ‘generosity’ and democratic practice.
"In the 53-year parliamentary history of Bangladesh, only three adjournment motions have ever been accepted. Although issues requiring legislation typically cannot be the subject of such motions, it was accepted by the Deputy Speaker to allow for a vibrant discussion," the Speaker explained.
He urged the opposition to remain in the House, noting that another private member’s adjournment motion on a similar topic was slated for discussion which could provide further clarity.
"This is the House of the People. You should decide through open dialogue," the Speaker added.
Despite the Speaker’s request to wait, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman alleged that the new motion being brought forward was a tactical move to ‘bury’ the opposition’s original notice.
The Speaker said the walkout is a parliamentary right but questioned how the opposition could judge a motion that had not yet been formally tabled.
Following the walkout, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed defended the government's position, asserting that the opposition’s claims are ‘untrue’.
He argued that under parliamentary rules, once an adjournment motion is discussed, it is considered ‘talked out’ and there is no provision for a vote on a settlement after the debate.
The Speaker has the sole discretion to admit or reject such motions.
“The opposition was given ample time—two hours—to speak on a matter that technically violated the rules of procedure, the Minister remarked.
The session continued with the treasury benches after the opposition's departure.