The Bangladesh National Parliament has imposed strict restrictions on the use of mobile phones and photography inside the House chamber. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal issued a new rule stating that making phone calls and taking photos inside the parliamentary chamber during sessions is completely prohibited.
He issued the directive on Wednesday, 15 April, while serving as panel speaker during a parliamentary session.
The incident originated during a speech by Member of Parliament from Dhaka-7, Hamidur Rahman. Although he was allotted seven minutes, his speech was disrupted shortly after it began due to the sound of mobile phone conversations inside the chamber. The Deputy Speaker subsequently stopped the proceedings and brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Whip.
Emphasizing “digital discipline” in the use of technology, the Deputy Speaker said that the parliamentary chamber is not a place for informal communication or content creation. Therefore, smartphone usage must be regulated.
Following his remarks, Noorul Islam addressed the Members of Parliament, saying, “No one should talk on the phone inside the House. If necessary, please go outside to make calls. At the same time, photography inside must also be stopped.”
He further stated that speaking loudly on mobile phones inside Parliament is not only a violation of discipline but also disrupts the environment for delivering and listening to speeches.
He also informed that during parliamentary proceedings, “floor crossing” or walking through the middle while speeches are ongoing will not be allowed. He instructed members to walk around from the back if necessary.
Disruption caused by mobile phone conversations during the speech of Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman prompted the Deputy Speaker to take immediate notice and issue the ruling.
Stakeholders say that technology use in Parliament is not completely prohibited, but it must be disciplined and protocol-based. It is believed that if this new ruling is implemented, parliamentary proceedings will become more focused and professional.
DBTech/NA/MUM/OR
