Speaker slates lawmakers for violating rules of procedure
Speaker Abdul Hamid yesterday strongly criticised lawmakers for holding conversation occupying other lawmakers' specified seats during the House proceedings violating the rules of procedure of parliament.
"It is total violation of the rules of procedures of parliament as well as illegal to occupy other lawmakers' seats and engage in conversation during the House proceedings," said Hamid, who was presiding over the sitting yesterday morning.
A lamented Hamid called upon the lawmakers to remain in their own seats in the chamber of the House.
"Many of you pass hour after hour occupying others' seats. It looks very odd. If you have any important issue to discuss with others, you should go to the House lobby," Hamid said.
This has become a very usual scene in parliament as many lawmakers occupy others' seats to have conversation.
"A lawmaker shall keep to his usual seat while addressing the House and shall maintain silence when not speaking in the House," read the rules of procedure of the Jatiya Sangsad.
It also says an MP "shall not interrupt any member while speaking by disorderly expression or noises or in any other disorderly manner, shall not read any book, newspaper or letter except in connection with the business of the House".
Earlier on different occasions, lawmakers engaged in discussion with each other leaving their respective seats when the House was in function.
Both Speaker Abdul Hamid and his deputy Col (retd) Shawkat Ali several times warned MPs and issued ruling not to violate the rules of procedures in vain.
During the parliament proceedings in every session, a good number of lawmakers are seen discussing randomly with other members, especially with the ministers and state ministers, without paying heed to parliament proceedings.
On October 11, 2009 Speaker Abdul Hamid expressed annoyance at some lawmakers' making noises by engaging in conversation during disposal of call attention notices for around two hours into that day's sitting.
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