Ruling BNP lawmaker Zainul Abedin Farroque on Wednesday raised concern over the “poor condition and design” of chairs used by MPs in the House, alleging that exposed fittings and heavy structure are causing injuries to some members.

Taking floor on a point of order in the House, he said the chairs need urgent inspection and maintenance. “The pins are all open. MPs are getting their hands cut. This should be looked into,” he said.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad was presiding the session at that time.

Farroque said there are more than 300 chairs in the House and claimed that their design is not suitable for lawmakers, particularly those with physical difficulties.

He said they suffered for 16 years due to police repression – some have waist problems, some have problems in their hands, some others in their backs.

The treasury bench member said the gap in the backrest of the chairs makes sitting uncomfortable. “There is a three-inch gap at the back. When we sit, it should be adjusted properly. Even many young MPs cannot sit comfortably,” he said.

Referring to the weight of the chairs, he said the design dated back to 1990s. “I became an MP in 1991. At that time questions were raised about the chairs. If records are checked, it will be found that the chairs were made very heavy so that the chairs could not be lifted and thrown. I think they were even fixed with iron chains. That is the history,” he said.

In the same point of order, Farroque referred to a recent discussion regarding whether MPs should bow their heads while entering Parliament, urging a formal decision on the matter.

“I have got scope of visiting many parliaments around the world, and this practice exists in some places. We need to decide whether it goes against Islamic principles or our national culture. The Speaker is the authority to decide this,” he said.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin said the decision on the issue of head bowing will be informed later.