He expressed dissatisfaction, placing particular emphasis on the failure of some members to show due respect to the speaker’s chair while entering and exiting the chamber
Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin addresses the inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament on 12 March 2026. Screengrab
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Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin addresses the inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament on 12 March 2026. Screengrab
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has instructed Members of Parliament (MPs) to adhere to parliamentary decorum and established conventions during sessions of the National Parliament.
He expressed dissatisfaction, placing particular emphasis on the failure of some members to show due respect to the speaker’s chair while entering and exiting the chamber.
Yesterday (23 April), after observing various breaches of parliamentary practice during the sitting, Hafiz Uddin said that any conduct that undermines the dignity of the House is inappropriate for MPs.
Recalling the global convention of showing respect to the chair, the speaker said that many members do not pay any respect while entering or leaving the chamber.
He noted that it is a universally established parliamentary norm to bow one’s head, offer a greeting, or otherwise show respect upon entering and exiting.
The speaker said, “I regretfully observed that many were not complying with these basic rules.”
Addressing movement within the chamber and the use of mobile phones during proceedings, Hafiz Uddin said he had seen two members shaking hands with individuals seated in the visitors’ gallery, which he described as entirely undesirable.
He said, “Crossing the space between the speaker and the member speaking is not appropriate during a session, yet such actions occur frequently. Many members engage in phone conversations inside the chamber, despite there being no such provision.”
He requested members to keep their phones on mute.
Referring to incidents of eating and drinking in the chamber, he said that he had already observed one member consuming food or beverages.
“There is no provision for eating or drinking in Parliament,” the speaker added.
Although Hafiz Uddin expressed reluctance in raising these issues, he remarked that such practices did not exist in the past and that it is the responsibility of all members to uphold the traditions of the House.
In conclusion, the speaker advised newly elected MPs to carefully study the Rules of Procedure before participating in proceedings.
The speaker noted that doing so would make it easier for them to engage effectively and would help avoid the need for any unpleasant interventions from the chair.
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