AL's Nazma regrets, Apu sees no wrong

Awami League lawmaker Prof Nazma Akhtar has regretted using abusive language against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her parents in parliament last week.
However, Nazma's party colleague and lawmaker Prof Apu Ukil told The Daily Star that she didn't see anything objectionable in her Thursday's remarks in the House. She even posted her speech on her Facebook account.
Elected in reserved seats for women, Jubo Mohila League President Nazma, and its Secretary Apu launched a verbal abuse at Khaleda, raising questions about her parents' religious identity last week.
The Daily Star did not publish the remarks, as they were extremely offensive.
At a programme yesterday, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said she would again warn lawmakers not to use any abusive words to attack opponents. The Speaker said she would take necessary measures to stop use of offensive language in the House.
Speaking at a discussion, Awami League lawmaker Suranjit Sengupta blamed senior lawmakers for encouraging junior lawmakers to use abusive words against opponent lawmakers.
Talking to The Daily Star, Nazma said it was unfortunate that female lawmakers used abusive language while most male lawmakers spoke politely in the House.
“You see that male lawmakers do not use abusive words to attack their rivals. It was us -- female lawmakers -- who used offensive words.  It is a matter of shame for us.”
Three female BNP lawmakers, who had used abusive words in the last several sittings, told The Daily Star yesterday that they didn't see anything wrong with their speeches.
Shammi Akhter, Ashifa Ashrafi Papiya and Rehana Akhtar Ranu said there was no reason to regret their use of offensive language, as they had to speak ill to counter their opponents, especially the female lawmakers.
The three BNP lawmakers from reserved seats for women said they were making preparations to give an appropriate response at today's sitting to Apu Ukil's remarks on their party chief.
Papiya said, “We will not let it go unchallenged. We cannot remain silent after her [Apu] verbal abuse at our chief, her parents, and her husband. I could not sleep the whole night [Thursday] after hearing her [Apu] speech.”
On condition of anonymity, a number of female lawmakers from treasury and the opposition bench said some senior lawmakers, including the whips, from both sides inspired them to counter opponents even if it means using abusive language.
Some opposition female lawmakers admitted that their seniors advised them to take note when ruling party's female lawmakers speak ill of their leaders.
“They also advised us to give befitting replies to counter female lawmakers of the treasury bench,” said a BNP lawmaker from a reserved seat for women.