Row erupts in parliament as ruling party MP terms July Charter debate ‘unnecessary’

A heated exchange broke out in parliament today (27 April) after Gazipur-2 lawmaker Manjurul Karim Roni from the ruling party described ongoing discussions on the July Charter as unnecessary, prompting strong protests from opposition members.

The incident took place during the discussion on the motion of thanks on the president’s speech, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.

Taking part in the debate, Roni said controversy over “an unnecessary July Charter” had been created from the very first day of the current parliament.

Addressing opposition leaders, he said, “If you claim the July movement as a sole achievement, it hurts us. We were also there and we lost more than 400 fellow activists.”

He further claimed that while parties such as the Awami League, Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Islami had “blood on their hands”, the BNP did not.

He also questioned the political credentials of opposition members, saying their “three to four years of rhetoric” could not match his party’s 17 years of street movements.

His remarks triggered immediate protests from opposition lawmakers, who stood up and shouted in unison.

Chapainawabganj-3 lawmaker Md Nurul Islam took the floor and said it was unacceptable to call debate on the July Charter unnecessary, given that the current government emerged from the July mass uprising.

“Dismissing the July Charter is an insult to the mass uprising and the sacrifices of the martyrs,” he said.

The chamber turned tense as both sides engaged in loud exchanges, forcing the Speaker to intervene.

The speaker urged members to address the chair while speaking and reminded them that parliament represents diverse political views.

“Not everyone will have the same perspective. The beauty of democracy lies in differences of opinion. Members are free to express their views openly in parliament,” he said.

As the uproar continued, he asked members to remain silent when the chair was speaking and maintain decorum.

Addressing the opposition, he said if they disagreed with any speech, they would have the opportunity to respond in their own turn and present their views in a proper and respectful manner.

He then announced a break for Maghrib prayers.

After the break, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni told parliament that he had spoken to Roni, who clarified that he meant “unnecessary debate” should be avoided. He also suggested that the remark could be expunged if needed.

Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal, who was in the chair at the time, said the matter would be reviewed and appropriate steps taken.