MP submits notice over cracks in Parliament building

Member of Parliament for the Sherpur-1 constituency, Md. Rashedul Islam Rashed, has submitted a breach of privilege notice in the National Parliament, raising concerns over structural cracks appearing in various parts of the parliament building.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram presented the matter during the parliamentary session, directing Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher to take swift and necessary measures regarding the issue on Monday.

The Speaker introduced the notice at the beginning of the 12th day of the second and first budget session of the 13th National Parliament.

"A total of six notices on questions of breach of privilege have been received so far during this ongoing second session of the 13th National Parliament," the Speaker said. "I have already informed the House about the decisions on four of these notices. I will announce the decisions on the remaining two today."

Detailing the notice placed by the Sherpur-1 MP regarding the renovation of the parliament building, the Speaker stated, "The MP raised an urgent matter concerning the structural safety and functionality of the National Parliament building. Recently, cracks have been spotted in various areas of the building, causing rainwater to leak through the roof and other parts, highlighting underlying infrastructural defects. The National Parliament is the supreme lawmaking body of the country, and upholding its dignity, security, and functionality is a critical state responsibility."

Acknowledging the significance of the matter, the Speaker added, "Honorable members, the notice submitted by the honorable MP is of immense importance. I request the Honorable Minister for Housing and Public Works, Zakaria Taher, to take prompt action in this regard."

The Speaker further clarified that since the MP's notice pertains to the Parliament Secretariat, it could not be formally accepted as a question of breach of privilege under Rule 54(3) of the Rules of Procedure.