JCD-Shibir clash in Ctg sparks debate in JS
Tensions over a recent clash between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir in Chattogram spilled into Parliament on Wednesday, leading to heated exchanges between ruling and opposition lawmakers.
During a discussion on the President’s speech, BNP lawmaker Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan alleged that the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami was involved in a conspiracy both inside and outside Parliament to destabilize the government. Referring to Jamaat MPs, he said those who voted for the BNP would not “sit idle” or “watch silently,” prompting uproar from Jamaat lawmakers.
The session began at 3 PM with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.
Strongly protesting the remarks, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called them an attempt to provoke unrest. He demanded that the “unparliamentary language” be expunged from the proceedings, terming the comments inappropriate for parliamentary conduct.
However, the Speaker said the statement would be reviewed and any unparliamentary words would be removed if necessary, while also suggesting the remarks be treated as political expression.
Reference to Chattogram Clash
Bhuiyan referred to the recent clash at Chattogram City College, claiming that Chhatra Shibir attacked Chhatra Dal members after they used the term “hidden” (gupto). He alleged that such incidents were attacks on democratic values.
He further accused the opposition of working to destabilize the government both inside and outside Parliament and said those who do not accept the country’s independence struggle in 1971 cannot contribute to national development.
His remarks triggered protests and noise from opposition members.
Responding to the interruption, Bhuiyan said the opposition was trying to silence him and prevent democratic expression, adding that their behavior suggested they did not support peace and stability in the country.
He also warned that those who voted for the BNP would not remain passive, urging the opposition to assist the government instead of creating instability.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman rejected the comments, saying they were provocative and undemocratic, and again called for their removal from the official record. He questioned the implication that citizens would not remain passive, warning against inciting disorder.
Jamaat MP Mizanur Rahman later raised the Chattogram incident in Parliament, urging the Home Minister to investigate the matter properly and bring those responsible to justice based on facts rather than political blame.
BNP MP AKM Selim Reza Habib also criticized the opposition’s conduct, accusing them of being aggressive and intolerant, and urged all sides to focus on strengthening democracy and ensuring voting rights rather than engaging in confrontational politics.
