A spirited exchange unfolded in Parliament on Thursday after Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman criticised a Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP for demanding washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains for lawmakers residing in government flats, prompting intervention from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman.Standing on the point of order, before the ongoing budget discussion, Andaleeve Rahman said Parliament was restored after a difficult struggle and stressed the need to uphold its dignity and standards.

He lamented what he described as the decline in parliamentary standards during previous Awami League legislatures, saying the institution’s democratic character had been undermined and its prestige diminished.

Referring to media reports about Jamaat MP Md Mizanur Rahman’s demand for washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains for lawmakers’ flats, Andaleeve Rahman said the issue caused embarrassment for both him and Parliament as an institution.

“We are not only Members of Parliament; we are ambassadors of Parliament. Whenever we go outside, we represent this House,” he said.

The BJP chief argued that Parliament should primarily be a platform for raising public concerns rather than discussing household facilities for MPs.

According to him, it appeared contradictory for lawmakers to publicly reject privileges such as plots and vehicles while later seeking appliances and furnishings for their residences.

In a sarcastic remark that drew attention in the House, he said if the Jamaat MP still needs a microwave oven or curtains, he will personally provide them.

Continuing the jibe, Andaleeve added that he will request the government to arrange a washing machine and curtains so that the MP’s household could be “properly settled.”

His remarks prompted a response from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who sought to defuse the matter and prevent it from escalating into a prolonged debate.

The Speaker noted that budget discussions traditionally allow members to speak on a wide range of issues and observed that the Jamaat lawmaker merely highlighted certain difficulties faced by MPs living in government flats.

“I think it would have been better had he not raised the matter in the House,” he said. “But he did not commit any serious offence.”

Hafiz Uddin pointed out that Parliament has a House Committee responsible for addressing accommodation-related matters and said such concerns could have been raised there instead.

At the same time, he emphasised that the Jamaat MP did not seek the facilities for himself alone but for all lawmakers residing in government flats.

“It may create a different perception among the public, but these items could be considered legitimate requirements. They are not major things,” the Speaker said.

He urged members not to prolong the controversy, warning that further debate could send an unfavourable message outside Parliament. “We should all be careful in future when making speeches,” he added.

The Speaker also took issue with Andaleeve’s offer to personally provide the appliances and furnishings, saying such comments could be viewed as disrespectful.

“I do not think that was necessary,” he said, reiterating that the request was made on behalf of all MPs living in government flats rather than for any individual member.

Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman later joined the discussion and broadly agreed with the Speaker’s observation that the issue should have been raised through the House Committee rather than on the floor of Parliament.

However, he also questioned the appropriateness of Andaleeve’s remarks. “He is an experienced parliamentarian. He went further and offered to provide everything himself. Did anyone ask him to do that?”

Shafiqur Rahman stressed that lawmakers should avoid making comments that could undermine one another’s dignity and called for greater restraint in parliamentary discourse.

Responding once more, Speaker Hafiz Uddin said he understood that Andaleeve’s remarks were intended as an offer of assistance rather than an attempt to belittle anyone, but maintained that such comments were unnecessary and urged members to move on from the issue.