Don’t use phones in parliament: Speaker tells MPs

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today expressed dissatisfaction with Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain for appearing inattentive during a parliamentary discussion on the condition of Kishoreganj Upazila Health Complex in Nilphamari, and later warned lawmakers against using mobile phones in the House.

The speaker drew the minister's attention while reserved seat MP Bilkis Islam was speaking under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure.

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As Bilkis began her speech, the speaker addressed the health minister, saying, "Honourable health minister, the member is speaking to you, please listen... You are so busy."

Bilkis told parliament that the residential buildings and staff quarters at the health complex had deteriorated to such an extent that they had become uninhabitable.

She also said the hospital's automated haematology machine and dental chair had become obsolete and non-functional, severely disrupting diagnostic and dental services.

As a result, she said, disadvantaged and marginalised people were being deprived of essential healthcare services.

She urged the health minister to take immediate and effective measures to improve the health complex's infrastructure, reconstruct its boundary wall and provide the necessary medical equipment.

Later, during a debate on the Public Examinations (Offences) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the speaker noticed a lawmaker using a mobile phone.

Addressing the MP, the speaker said, "Honourable Member AKM Mosharraf Hossain, some members use telephones in parliament discreetly, but you are using it openly."

The speaker then asked the lawmaker not to use mobile phone during the parliamentary session.

Issuing a ruling, he said, "Please, do not use phones in parliament. This is against convention. It applies to everyone. I expect you to uphold the dignity of parliament."