Protest, sound problem kept opposition unaware of national anthem: NCP MP

Senior joint chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament from the Noakhali-6 constituency Abdul Hannan Masud has explained on Facebook why opposition MPs remained seated while the national anthem was played during the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Thursday, March 12.

In a Facebook post late Thursday night, Masud clarified that opposition MPs were engrossed in protest and were also unable to hear the anthem properly due to sound system issues at the time.

He wrote, "During the first session of the great National Parliament today, when the Honourable Speaker announced that the speech of the fascist's accomplice President 'Chuppu' would be delivered, all opposition MPs stood up with placards and protested with loud slogans."

"When President 'Chuppu' entered the parliament, ruling party MPs stood up to show respect, and opposition MPs sat down. At the same time, opposition leaders continued protesting loudly. The national anthem began playing as soon as the President entered the parliament. But because opposition MPs were busy protesting and there was a sound problem with the speaker, the protesting opposition MPs did not realise that the national anthem was being played."

Masud further stated that when MP Hasnat Abdullah realised the anthem was playing, he immediately informed other MPs. "As soon as they knew, opposition MPs immediately stood up to pay respect to the national anthem and remained standing until it ended."

He concluded his post with the hope that the misunderstanding would end and that accurate information would help build a unified Bangladesh.