Speaker nudges MPs to ditch scripts, uphold House tradition

The opening days of the new session of the Jatiya Sangsad offered a small but telling glimpse into parliamentary culture, as Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed reminded lawmakers that speeches in the House should not be read directly from prepared scripts.

The gentle rebuke came on Sunday during the ongoing debate on the President’s address, when two lawmakers delivered speeches by reading from written texts.

Rising in his chair after the speeches, the Speaker addressed Masood Sayeedi of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami with a note of courtesy but firmness.

“With due respect, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that reading directly from a written text is not allowed in Parliament,” he said. “You may keep notes, glance at them occasionally and then address the House. That is the parliamentary convention and what we expect from members.”

Moments later, the Speaker made a similar observation when Oli Ullah of Islami Andolan Bangladesh followed the same approach.

“This is not allowed in Parliament,” he said, urging lawmakers to practise delivering speeches without relying on written scripts. “This is the established parliamentary practice and should be followed by all members.”

Under the Rules of Procedure of parliament, MPs must obtain prior permission from the Speaker before reading out a written speech.

The Speaker’s reminder, meanwhile, served as a quiet attempt to reinforce long-standing parliamentary traditions, encouraging MPs to engage the House more directly rather than relying on written scripts.