Opposition gets more time to discuss bills after note of dissent debate

A debate took place in the National Parliament between the opposition and the government on Thursday over the allocation of time for the presentation and discussion of bills based on the special committee’s report.

The opposition strongly raised the issue, alleging that insufficient time was being given to discuss bills on which a “note of dissent” had been filed.

Responding to the opposition leader’s remarks, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that many of the opposition’s points were issues he himself wanted to raise. He explained that bills with differing opinions or a “note of dissent” in the special committee’s report are being introduced in stages in Parliament, and they must be finalised within the designated time frame.

He added that under parliamentary procedure, those raising objections are given the opportunity to speak, and this practice will continue in the future.

The home minister added that one of the objection-raisers had already been given the floor, and three times the normal speaking duration was allowed. He further noted that opposition members could still take advantage of the second reading and committee-stage amendments to discuss the bills in more detail, while the time for the third reading is comparatively shorter.

On the other hand, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman complained that insufficient time is provided to explain the background of giving a dissenting opinion. He said, “It is impossible to raise any significant points within just two minutes. Without the opportunity to explain why dissent was filed and what amendments are needed, meaningful debate cannot take place.”

Read More

Classes in person 3 days a week, 3 days online: Edn Minister

He also argued that even though more time is allocated for proposers, opposition members receive limited time, which disrupts the balance of parliamentary debate.

The opposition leader added, “If proper time to speak isn’t ensured in Parliament, what is the point of even being here?” He demanded equal and sufficient time for both sides to ensure substantive debate in the House.

At this point, the speaker intervened, noting that according to past parliamentary practice, two minutes is generally allotted for raising objections. However, in the current session, this was increased to six minutes.

He further explained that members also have an opportunity to speak during the committee-stage amendments, although time there is limited.

Considering the opposition’s proposal as “reasonable,” the speaker stated that the speaking time for objection-raisers would be slightly increased in the future. He expressed hope that this would allow for broader and more effective discussion of the bills.

Parliamentary sources said that continuous sessions are underway to quickly finalise bills with differing opinions in the special committee’s report. The pressure to pass these bills within the scheduled time has created a somewhat hurried environment, leading to differences between the government and opposition over time allocation.