Opposition returns to JS

BNP-led opposition lawmakers, with the exception of their leader Khaleda Zia, returned to parliament yesterday, a day after they had walked out of the House protesting an unofficial ban on rallies and meetings in the capital.
They participated in all proceedings, including the question-answer session, breathing life into parliament yesterday.
No lawmakers from the treasury or the opposition bench used any abusive words against each other.
However, speaking on a point of order, BNP lawmaker Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee blasted the government for arresting acting editor of Amar Desh Mahmudur Rahman, closure of the newspaper and shutdown of Digonto and Islamic Television.
In reply, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said Amar Desh was responsible for instigating violence across the country by publishing false news and photographs. He, however, said the newspaper could be published from any printing press other than the Amar Desh press.
He said the two TV channels were shut down temporarily for broadcasting false news on Hefajat-e Islam's May 5 rally in Dhaka.
Interestingly, there was no pandemonium in parliament this time over the issues.
Speaking on a point of order, senior BNP lawmaker Jamiruddin Sircar said the recent arrest of Abdul Jalal Khandaker, a BNP-backed candidate who was elected chairman of Talura municipality in Bogra on May 8, had made uncertain his oath-taking by the June 8 deadline.
Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina said she would take the initiative to make sure that the chairman-elect could take the oath ofoffice within the stipulated time.