Nahid objects to all 8 questions for PM coming from BNP MPs in parliament

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has objected to all eight starred questions scheduled for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during today’s parliamentary question hour being submitted by ruling party lawmakers, saying the lack of opposition participation undermines parliamentary accountability.

He raised the issue on a point of order before the question-and-answer session began in parliament today (2 September).

Nahid said eight starred questions were scheduled during the first 30 minutes of the session allocated for questions to the prime minister, but all had been submitted by ruling party MPs.

He said opposition lawmakers also regularly submit questions and should be given greater opportunities to raise them in parliament.

“This would further strengthen the culture of accountability of the government,” he said.

Following Nahid’s remarks, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the matter would be considered later.

Later, Chief Whip Nurul Islam said there was no separate procedure for ruling and opposition MPs when submitting questions.

Under the existing rules, questions are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.

“If opposition MPs fall behind in submitting questions, it puts them at a disadvantage,” Nurul said, while also drawing the Speaker’s attention to the need to ensure opportunities for opposition lawmakers to ask questions.

In response, the Speaker said parliament had long followed a “first come, first served” system for accepting questions.

He recalled that lawmakers had previously competed intensely to submit questions early.

Describing the process as involving “fierce competition”, Hafiz Uddin advised opposition MPs to submit their questions earlier.

He also assured the House that the issue of ensuring opportunities for opposition lawmakers to ask questions would be considered.