Conduct in the House
Rules to be observed by members while present in the House
Whilst the House in sitting a member-
- shall show sign of regards to the Chair while entering or leaving the House, and also when taking or leaving his seat;
- shall not interrupt any member while speaking by disorderly expression or noises or in any other disorderly manner;
- shall not read any book, newspaper or letter except in connection with the business of the House;
- shall not pass between the Chair and any member who is speaking;
- shall not leave the House when the Speaker is addressing the House;
- shall always address the Chair;
- shall keep to his usual seat while addressing the House;
- shall maintain silence when not speaking in the House;
- shall not obstruct proceedings, or interrupt and shall avoid making running commentaries when speeches are being made in the House;
- shall not applaud when a stranger enters any of the Galleries, or the Special Box; and
- shall not while speaking make any reference to the strangers in any of the Galleries.
Member to speak when called by Speaker
When a member rises to speak, his name shall be called by the Speaker. If more members than one rise at the same time, the member whose name is so called shall be entitled to speak. The Speaker shall, as far as possible, call the member to speak who catches his eyes first.
Mode of addressing House
A member desiring to make any observations on any matter before the House shall speak from his place, shall rise when he speaks and shall address the Speaker:
Provided that a member disabled by sickness or infirmity may be permitted to speak sitting.
Rules to be observed while speaking
A member while speaking shall not-
- refer to any matter which is sub judice in a court of law in any part of Bangladesh;
- make a personal charge against a member, Minister or the holder of a public office except in so far as it may be strictly necessary in regard to the subject-matter before the House;
- make any remark which reflects upon the personal conduct of the President or a Judge of the Supreme Court unless the discussion is based on a substantive motion drawn in proper terms;
- reflect on any determination of the House except on a motion for rescinding it;
- use offensive expressions about the conduct or proceedings of Parliament;
- use any offensive, abusive, vulgar expressions;
- utter treasonable, seditious or defamatory words;
- use his right of speaking for the purpose of wilfully obstructing the business of the House; and
- shall not refer to another member discourteously in a debate nor shall he be permitted to use expressions which are unparliamentary in nature.
Procedure regarding allegation against a person
No allegation of a defamatory or incriminatory nature shall be made by a member against any person unless the member has given previous intimation to the Speaker and also to the Minister concerned so that the Minister may be able to make an investigation into the matter for the purpose of a reply:
Provided that the Speaker may at any time prohibit any member from making any such allegation if he is of opinion that such allegation is derogatory to the dignity of the House or that no public interest is served by making such allegation.
Questions to be asked through Speaker
When, for the purposes of explanation during discussion or for any other sufficient reason, any member has occasion to ask a question of another member on any matter then under the consideration of the House, he shall ask the question through the Speaker.
Irrelevance or repetition
The Speaker, after having called the attention of the House to the conduct of a member who persists in irrelevance or in tedious repetition either of his own arguments or of the arguments used by other members in debate, may direct him to discontinue his speech, and the member shall thereupon resume his seat.
Personal explanation
A member may, with the permission of the Speaker, make a personal explanation although there is no question before the House, but in this case no debatable matter may be brought forward and no debate shall arise.
Member not to speak after question is put
No member shall speak on any question after it has been put to the House by the Speaker.
Address by Speaker
The Speaker may himself, or on a point being raised or on a request made by a member, address the House at any time on a matter under consideration in the House with a view to aid members in their deliberations, and such expression of views shall not be taken to be in the nature of a decision.
Procedure when Speaker rises
- Whenever the Speaker rises he shall be heard in silence and any member who is then speaking or offering to speak shall immediately resume his seat.
- No member shall leave his seat while the Speaker is addressing the House.
