Clubs, Liquor, Gambling: Heated debate in parliament
Parliament yesterday witnessed a heated debate over clubs in the capital as well as alcohol and gambling.
Soon after the start of the day's proceedings, Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu came down hard on the government.
Speaking on a point of order, the JP co-chairman said a discussion has been going on about a film actor for the last few days after an incident took place at the capital's Uttara Boat Club.
"Who constructed this club? Who become the members of this club? I have heard that Tk 50-60 lakh is needed to become a member of this club. Who are becoming the members spending such a huge amount of money? We can't even think about it. I have not earned this sum of money in my entire life," he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present in the House at that time.
Naming some clubs in the capital, Mujibul said, "Alcohol is consumed randomly in those clubs. Gambling also goes on there. Gallons of alcohol are sold there. If anyone in Bangladesh wants to drink alcohol, he needs to have a licence. Then how alcohol is sold to everyone?"
The lawmaker questioned how government officials become members of different clubs, including the boat club, and from where the huge sums of money comes.
Mujibul said the owner of the land, where the boat club is situated, cannot go there.
He asked the prime minister to intervene in the issue and stop holding DJ parties in the city's upscale areas. "Dance parties take place there and people consume drugs. Alcohol is also served there. Our law, culture and religion do not permit such activities."
The lawmaker requested the prime minister to give instructions to the home minister in this regard.
Film actor Pori Moni on June 13 alleged that Nasir Uddin Mahmud, a member of Uttara Boat Club, attempted to rape and kill her with the assistance of a businessman named Tuhin Siddique Omi on June 10.
On Monday, the actor filed a case with Savar Police Station in connection with the incident, accusing Nasir and several others.
Shortly after Mujibul's remarks in the House yesterday, Awami League MP Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim blamed BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for giving permission and issuing licence regarding alcohol and gambling in Bangladesh.
Referring to the June 10 incident, Sheikh Selim, an AL presidium member, said: "This is boat club, but Ziaur Rahman had set up 'steamer club'. Bangabandhu had stopped issuing licences for alcohol and gambling, but Zia resumed issuing those. Those who committed crimes first should be tried first. You have to start the process from there."
BNP MP Harunur Rashid said an opposition lawmaker tried to draw the attention of the prime minister to a specific issue, but a senior MP (Sheikh Selim) talked on another issue.
"Many foreigners live in Bangladesh. Also, consuming alcohol is legal for people of other religions and those working in mortuaries. But law does not allow it for any Muslim."
Harun said he would step down as a lawmaker if anyone could prove that former president Zia gave licence to legalise drinking alcohol by Muslims.
"People from the government are involved in alcohol business in all these clubs. I'm challenging this. Police collect money from these places. The prime minister does not belong to any party. She is the prime minister of the state. She should find it out."
After Harun's speech, Sheikh Selim again took the floor and said, "Have you forgotten Lucky Khan's dance? Hijbul Bahar? Ziaur Rahman had initiated those."
He said the government did not give permission to any Muslim to consume alcohol.
"You [BNP] will raise a hue and cry if the government moves to stop this [permission for alcohol]. You will tell that foreigners need alcohol," he added.
Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandary of Bangladesh Tarikat Federation said Harun should resign as an MP as Zia gave permission to allow Muslims to take alcohol.
Jatiya Party lawmaker and Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman said, "Bangabandhu did not give the licence. The law is being misused. The BNP gave the licence. If a Muslim takes alcohol now, the government has nothing to do with it."
He also demanded the authorities concerned find out Abu Twa-ha Mohammad Adnan, an Islamic speaker from Rangpur, who remained missing for the last few days.