MPs to Honour Speaker Following Respective Religious Customs

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) shall show respect to the Speaker’s chair or the presiding officer in accordance with their respective religious customs. The Speaker announced this decision on Thursday at the commencement of the parliamentary sitting.

Context and Parliamentary Tradition

In parliamentary practice, it is a customary tradition for members to show respect to the House and the chair. Typically, many MPs bow their heads when entering the parliament chamber, while others stand and offer greetings (Salam) to demonstrate respect to the House and the presiding officer.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed noted that the Rules of Procedure of Parliament previously contained a provision requiring members to bow as a sign of respect. However, this provision was amended in 2006, officially removing the requirement to bow the head. On 20 September 2006, during the eighth parliament, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Rules of Procedure submitted a report regarding this matter, which was subsequently adopted by the parliament on 26 September 2006.

Objections Raised by Members of Parliament

The definitive ruling follows objections and requests raised by opposition lawmakers during recent parliamentary sessions. On 16 June, Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mujibur Rahman raised an objection on a point of order regarding the practice of bowing one’s head to show respect inside the chamber. He noted that although the practice was formerly part of the Rules of Procedure, it had been removed via a subsequent amendment. At that time, the Speaker informed the House that he would examine the matter and deliver a decision later.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) MP Zainul Abdin Farroque requested a resolution to the ongoing matter.

Speaker’s Formal Ruling and Statutory Rules

Delivering his decision on Thursday, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed cited Rule 267 (1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. The rule explicitly states:

“Every member shall show respect to the Chair when entering or leaving the Parliament, and when taking or leaving their seat while the Parliament is in session.”

The Speaker clarified that the word “bowing” (Jhukia) was formally excised from this rule during the 2006 amendment. Addressing the lawmakers, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated, “Since the word ‘bowing’ has been omitted, honourable members, you shall show respect to the Speaker’s chair or the presiding officer according to your respective religious customs.”

Summary of Parliamentary Proceedings and Rules

The historical amendments and procedural details concerning the ruling are structured in the table below:

The formal declaration provides a definitive resolution regarding how lawmakers are to conduct themselves when entering, exiting, or moving within the parliamentary chamber during active sessions.