Govt, opposition cross swords in parliament; reform council debate tomorrow

A heated debate broke out in parliament on Sunday after Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman demanded an immediate discussion on the July National Charter and the Constitutional Reform Council that prompted sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition benches.
Raising a point of order after the question-answer session, Shafiqur sought to convene a special session of the Constitutional Reform Council and place the issue for discussion. He cited provisions of the July Charter and the Constitutional Reform Implementation Order, 2025.
“Following the Speaker’s advice, I have duly submitted the notice. I believe it should be allowed for discussion,” he said.
His move was immediately challenged by Chief Whip Nurul Islam, who argued that, by parliamentary convention, such matters are taken up only after completion of scheduled business, including Rule 71 proceedings.
The opposition leader insisted he had acted in line with earlier guidance from the Speaker and maintained it was both his right and responsibility to raise the issue at that stage.
Tensions escalated further when Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed sought to intervene but initially 
faced objections from opposition MPs. He later emphasised that the matter fell under the Speaker’s prerogative and that no member’s rights had been violated.
“This is the Speaker’s authority. Whether to allow it under Rule 71 is his decision, though it is also the right of members to raise such issues,” the minister said.

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam then backed the demand for discussion. He argued that the referendum held alongside the national election must be reflected in parliamentary proceedings.
“This is a matter of public importance and should be discussed and resolved in parliament,” he said.
Amid the exchanges, the deputy speaker reiterated that a decision on the notice would be taken after completion of Rule 71 proceedings in line with established practice.
The opposition leader again pressed his case and cited Rule 64 as grounds for raising the issue earlier, but the chair maintained its position.
The standoff eased after the deputy speaker allocated two hours on Tuesday for discussion on the adjournment motion brought by the opposition leader.
A brief exchange also took place between the home minister and the deputy speaker over procedural issues before the chair delivered a ruling and moved on with the day’s business.
The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal in the absence of the Speaker, marked the resumption of parliamentary proceedings after a 13-day recess for Eid holidays.

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