Opposition members in a line opposed the bill and said the law is unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights of citizens, as it will infringe on their right to privacy. They also apprehended abuse of the law by the officials who will tap telephone conversations.

The opposition lawmakers also initiated a motion for non-approval of the President's Ordinance promulgated in last December. But, the motion was rejected in a voice vote.

On the other hand, Post and Telecommunications Minister Aminul Haque, who proposed the passage of the Bangladesh Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2006, assured the opposition members that there would be no abuse of the law, rather it will help tackle criminal activities.

Senior AL lawmaker Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim termed it 'a black law' and apprehended abuse of it. He asked the government to withdraw the bill.

Another AL lawmaker and former home minister Mohammad Nasim said the law would be a weapon for the government to harass opposition leaders.

"Besides, the officials, who will be in-charge of tapping telephonic conversations, will abuse the authority and become involved in blackmailing," he said.

Krishak Sramik Janata League lawmaker Abdul Kader Siddiqui joined the protest and asked for taking public opinion on the bill.

He rejected the government's claim that the law would help tackle criminal activities including militancy and said, "Militant activities are under the control of the government, and the government can stop it."

"Militant attacks have virtually stopped after the prime minister's dialogue with some political parties and professional bodies. This has proved that the militancy is under the government's control," he said. "To stop militancy and criminal activities, tele-tapping is not necessary" It's the government's sincerity which matters," he added.

Jatiya Party (Ershad) lawmaker Moshiur Rahman Ranga also apprehended abuse of the law and asked the government to withdraw it.

On the government's part, Law Minister Moudud Ahmed argued militants use the mobile phone facilities in their activities and so the law is necessary to tackle the situation.

"This is an emergency matter and the government is going to enact the law for the interest of the country and its people," he said.

According to Moudud, there is nothing to be worried about, as there are provisions to stop misuse of the law.

Earlier, during a scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committee on law ministry, AL lawmakers Abdul Hye and Panchanan Biswas gave notes of dissent against the bill, saying it would curb people's freedom of speech.