Jamaat, NCP MPs stage walkout over ‘ignored demands’

Tensions rose in Bangladesh’s Parliament on Wednesday as opposition MPs from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) staged a walkout, protesting what they described as ignored demands.

The walkout was led by opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman after a heated exchange with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed during the session.

Speaking in the House, Shafiqur Rahman said the opposition’s concerns had not been addressed and argued that the situation did not reflect the will of the people. He accused the parliamentary process of sidelining opposition voices before announcing the walkout along with his party colleagues and allied lawmakers.

Tensions escalated further when opposition MPs alleged that a separate adjournment motion had been introduced in a way that overshadowed an issue they had raised.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed attempted to restore order, urging the opposition leader to complete his statement and assuring lawmakers that their concerns would be addressed. He said another adjournment motion was pending and that the opposition would have the opportunity to speak after it was considered.

Despite repeated appeals from the Speaker, opposition MPs remained firm and walked out of the session.

The Speaker later acknowledged their decision, noting that such actions fall within parliamentary rules, and continued the proceedings.

The incident highlights ongoing friction between the government and opposition benches, signalling deeper political divisions within Parliament.

Analysts say repeated walkouts reflect growing challenges in dialogue and consensus-building, raising concerns about the effectiveness of parliamentary debate.