Ruling party MP's adjournment motion accepted in historic first

A rare precedent has been set in Bangladesh's parliamentary history. For the first time in 53 years, an adjournment motion brought by a member of the Treasury Bench has been accepted for discussion.

The motion was tabled by MP Joynul Abdin Faruk during the National Parliament session on Wednesday, April 1. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed subsequently set a date for discussion on the motion.

Moving the adjournment motion, Joynul Abdin Faruk said the 'July National Charter' is the outcome of the July-August revolution under the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after 17 years of sacrifice and struggle. "This is our roadmap for the future. I am moving this adjournment motion under Rule 62 of the Rules of Procedure. This charter is essentially a document of political consensus, containing specific proposals for enacting, amending and revising various laws, including constitutional amendments. It is extremely important to hold a detailed discussion by adjourning the current business of parliament on how the 'July National Charter 2025' will be implemented."

Accepting the motion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, "Honourable member, the adjournment motion you have moved is very important. Under Rule 65(2) of the Rules of Procedure, I am permitting discussion on it. Considering the current business of parliament, I am scheduling discussion on this motion for a maximum of two hours as the last item of business on Sunday, April 5."

The speaker said, "In the 53-year history of Bangladesh's parliament, this is the first time a member of the Treasury Bench has brought an adjournment motion. We will discuss it in detail on April 5."