Joining Jamaat a double offence for martyrs’ family members

A heated exchange over political affiliation sparked prolonged uproar in parliament on Tuesday, prompting repeated interventions from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and briefly disrupting proceedings.
Kishoreganj-4 lawmaker and freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman said members of freedom fighter families should not be involved in Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami politics, calling it a “double offence” if anyone from a martyr’s family did so.
The BNP leader made the remarks while participating in the thanksgiving motion on the president’s speech in the Jatiya Sangsad.
Referring to the opposition leader, he said, “He claimed to be from a freedom fighter and martyr family... If someone from a martyr’s family gets involved in Jamaat (politics), it is an even greater offence.”
“As long as the Royal Bengal Tiger exists, the spirit of the freedom fighters will prevail. Razakars will never succeed in this country,” he added, referring to collaborators of the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War.
Fazlur also mentioned 14 December 1971 as Martyred Intellectuals Day, noting that hundreds of intellectuals were killed by Al-Badr. “And you all know whose force Al-Badr was,” he said.
He further referred to proceedings on the first day of the current parliament, saying he could not hear much due to a malfunctioning sound system. He also mentioned a condolence motion brought in the House.
His remarks triggered an immediate protest from Jamaat lawmakers, leading to more than 10 minutes of shouting. At one stage, treasury bench members also stood up, escalating the disorder.
“Honourable members, please maintain discipline in the House,” the speaker said, asking Fazlur to continue. However, Jamaat MPs ignored the call and continued protesting.
During the commotion, Fazlur said, “Had they found our leader Ziaur Rahman before December 16 (1971), they would have killed him.”
At one point, the speaker stood and appealed to restore order. Expressing frustration, he said the conduct “would make children ashamed.”
“Such venerable individuals, who have become grandfathers, their grandchildren may be watching. What will they think?” he asked.
He reminded lawmakers that every member has the right to speak and warned that disruptions would erode public confidence in parliament. He then asked Fazlur Rahman to conclude within three minutes.
Fazlur continued, saying, “August (2024) was a mass uprising... Comparing it to the Liberation War is like comparing the Pacific Ocean with a pond. The Liberation War is unparalleled.”
He also raised concerns over post-August 5 incidents, including attacks on police and looting of stations. “These incidents should not have immunity under any law. If policemen were killed or stations looted, those must be investigated and tried,” he said.
The floor was then given to the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman.
Responding, Shafiqur said Fazlur Rahman had undermined others while speaking about his own contributions. “No one has the right to do that. He personally hurt me,” he said.
“He questioned my identity as a member of a martyr’s family and objected to my political ideology. I strongly condemn this,” he added, calling for the remarks to be expunged.
When Fazlur sought to speak again, the speaker denied permission. “Nothing more needs to be said now. We do not want the parliament to become heated. Please sit down,” he said.
The speaker later confirmed that any unparliamentary remarks made by either side would be removed from the record.