Jamaat MP objects to bowing practice upon entering parliament chamber

Mujibur Rahman, a Member of Parliament from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has raised objections over the practice of "bowing the head" as a mark of respect when entering the Jatiya Sangsad chamber. He raised the issue on a point of order during Tuesday's parliamentary session.

Traditionally, many lawmakers bow their heads or stand and offer Islamic greetings (Salam) upon entering the parliament chamber to show respect to the House and the Chair.

Standing on a point of order at the beginning of the session, Mujibur Rahman stated that while the Rules of Procedure of the Third Parliament mandated bowing the head upon entry, the clause was later reviewed and amended. He argued that bowing the head to show respect contradicts Islamic principles and verges on shirk (associating partners with God), which is why it was previously scrapped.

Addressing the Speaker, the Jamaat MP noted, "I often notice that you greet us beautifully with Salam. We also exchange Salam. However, the practice of bowing still persists. You do it, and the Honorable Deputy Speaker does it as well."

He added that everyone should adhere to the revised Rules of Procedure to "root out shirk," remarking, "This will bring blessings, save us from sin, and benefit us on the Day of Judgment."

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad stated that he would review the Rules of Procedure further before commenting definitively. However, he noted that the gesture remains a personal choice—some may offer Salam, while others may bow. He added that similar traditions exist in parliaments worldwide and assured that he would verify whether the practice was indeed officially repealed in previous parliaments.