Scope of talks still open: Speaker

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Star file photo

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday said she believes the opportunity for a discussion on how to hold the next parliamentary polls is still open even after the withdrawal of an adjournment motion to this end by the opposition.

She said this while speaking on “Gender mainstreaming in Bangladesh parliament” at a city hotel.

BNP Parliamentary Party on June 3 said lawmaker Mahbub Uddin Khokon, who had submitted an adjournment motion in parliament demanding discussions on restoration of caretaker government system, withdrew the notice following the party’s decision.

In support of its move, BNPPP said it would not place any proposal on the mode outlining the election-time non-party caretaker government.

“We will not even discuss on this issue in parliament. It was the government which should take measures to restore the caretaker government system,” BNPPP said on June 3, the day opposition MPs returned the House after 83 days of boycott at a stretch.  They staged walkouts thrice since returning to the parliament.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said BNP does not want discussion that is why it has withdrawn the adjourned motion.

On the BNP’s latest allegation that the Speaker barred them form speaking in parliament, Shirin Sharmin on Saturday assured opposition lawmakers that they would not face any obstacles and indiscrimination while speaking in the House.

Talking to journalists after the programme, Speaker said although the scope is limited to speak on other issues during the budget discussion.

“But there will be few sittings after the budget is passed in parliament. The opposition MPs will be able to discuss at that time. Necessary atmosphere will be ensures so that they [opposition MPs] can speak in the House.”