No state work key than JS session: Hafiz

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday criticised the absence of several ministers from parliamentary proceedings, saying no state duty should take priority over a session of parliament.

“No state work is more important than a parliamentary session. Among all state activities, the parliamentary session has the highest priority,” he said while responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman.

The opposition leader said ministers relevant to discussions were often absent from the House, while some lawmakers were seen holding small group conversations during proceedings.

He said such practices disrupted parliamentary discipline and were discouraging for other MPs. Acknowledging the concern, the speaker urged lawmakers to remain in their seats and participate properly in the session.

He also directed Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni to ensure ministers attend parliament on time. The speaker said ministers should at least listen to relevant debates and respond when necessary.

At the beginning of the session, MPs also raised concerns over delays in publishing an updated contact directory of lawmakers.

The speaker said the “Telephone Directory 2026” was being prepared and would be published once all MPs submit the required information.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said lawmakers were facing difficulties due to the absence of an updated list of contact numbers and urged the authorities to prepare a consolidated directory soon.

During another point of order, Jamaat MP Shafiqul Islam sought a statement from the home minister on several issues, including the health condition of BNP MP Mirza Abbas and loan default-related cases involving some lawmakers.

He also alleged that misinformation was being spread about Mirza Abbas and Osman Bin Hadi, referring to remarks by former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

The chief whip objected, saying unrelated and sub judice matters should not be raised as points of order or allowed to consume parliamentary time.

The speaker later informed the House that Mirza Abbas had written to him saying his health was improving.

“Rumours are never a subject for the national parliament,” the speaker said.
He urged MPs to focus on issues of public interest and avoid wasting parliamentary time on irrelevant matters.