Jamaat MP faces criticism over demand for more household facilities

Despite talking about a political pledge not to take government benefits, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP from Chapainawabganj-2 constituency Md. Mizanur Rahman has faced criticism for demanding washing machines and microwave ovens in the flats allotted to him in the parliament.

Participating in the budget discussion held in the session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the National Parliament on Wednesday, he demanded that various facilities be ensured in the residential flats of the parliamentarians.

In his speech, Mizanur Rahman said that window and door curtains have not yet been installed in the flats allotted to the parliamentarians. It was heard that a washing machine and a microwave oven would be provided in each of these flats. He strongly demanded that these facilities be provided immediately.

His statement has created a new discussion in the political circles. Because, earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman had publicly announced that in the future, if any Jamaat member is elected as a member of parliament, he will not take special benefits like government plots or duty-free cars.

In November 2025, Shafiqur Rahman said at a public rally, ‘If even one of us is elected as an MP, none of them will take government plots or drive tax-free cars.’

After the recent parliamentary speech, some political observers are questioning whether there is an ideological inconsistency between the announcement of boycotting government special benefits and demanding additional facilities for members of parliament.

Many are saying that the provision of necessary household appliances in the residential flats of members of parliament can be seen not as a personal benefit, but as part of the government housing system. But after Jamaat’s announcement, accepting those benefits again is a symbol of dishonesty.