What rules say about MPs' conduct inside parliament

Protests inside the chamber during the inaugural sitting of the 13th National Parliament today (12 March) have drawn attention to the constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules that regulate the conduct of members of parliament (MPs) during proceedings.

During President Mohammed Shahabuddin's address at the opening session, lawmakers from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami stood up in protest, displayed placards and chanted slogans before walking out of the chamber. Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed repeatedly called for order as the disruption unfolded.

The incident highlights the framework that governs parliamentary behaviour in Bangladesh – a combination of constitutional protections and procedural rules designed to ensure both freedom of speech and orderly debate.

Constitutional privilege of parliament and MPs

The Constitution of Bangladesh grants parliament and its members broad legal protections for their actions and speech inside the chamber.

Article 78 of the Constitution states, "The validity of the proceedings in Parliament shall not be questioned in any court."

The same article further provides legal immunity to lawmakers for statements made during parliamentary proceedings. It says, "A member of Parliament shall not be liable to proceedings in any court in respect of anything said, or any vote given, by him in Parliament or in any committee thereof."

This means MPs cannot face legal action for their speeches or votes in parliament.

The Constitution also protects the publication of parliamentary records. It states, "A person shall not be liable to proceedings in any court in respect of the publication by or under the authority of Parliament of any report, paper, vote or proceeding."

Another clause shields parliamentary authorities exercising procedural powers. According to Article 78, "A member or officer of Parliament in whom powers are vested for the regulation of procedure, the conduct of business, or the maintenance of order in Parliament, shall not… be subject to the jurisdiction of any court."

However, the Constitution also provides that parliamentary privileges may be defined further by law, stating, "Subject to this article, the privileges of Parliament and of its committees and members may be determined by Act of Parliament."

Rules governing conduct inside parliament

While MPs enjoy constitutional immunity for what they say in parliament, their conduct during proceedings is regulated by the Rules of Procedure of the National Parliament.

Rule 267 outlines how members must behave while parliament is in session.

It states that a member "shall not interrupt any member while speaking by disorderly expression or noises or in any other disorderly manner."

The same rule requires MPs to remain quiet when they are not speaking. It provides that a member "shall maintain silence when not speaking in the House."

Members are also prohibited from disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Rule 267 states that a member "shall not obstruct proceedings or interrupt and shall avoid making running commentaries when speeches are being made in the House."

The rules also require members to show respect to the Speaker. According to the same rule, a member "shall show sign of regards to the Chair while entering or leaving the House."

In addition, MPs must follow specific conduct while speaking in parliament.

Restrictions during debates

Rule 270 places limits on the type of language and allegations MPs can make during parliamentary debates.

It states that a member "shall not use offensive, abusive, vulgar expressions."

The rule also bars personal attacks against other public officials except when directly relevant to a discussion. It says a member "shall not make a personal charge against a member, minister, or the holder of a public office except in so far as it may be strictly necessary in regard to the subject matter before the House."

MPs are also prohibited from raising issues that are under judicial consideration. Rule 270 states that a member "shall not refer to any matter which is sub judice in a court of law in any part of Bangladesh."

The rule further states that members cannot deliberately obstruct parliamentary business. It provides that a member "shall not use his right of speaking for the purpose of wilfully obstructing the business of the House."

Speaker's role in maintaining order

The Rules of Procedure also give the Speaker authority to regulate debate and maintain discipline in parliament.

Rule 268 states that when multiple MPs stand to speak, the Speaker decides who will be allowed to address the parliament. It provides, "When a member rises to speak, his name shall be called by the Speaker."

If a member persists in irrelevant or repetitive arguments during debate, the Speaker may intervene. Rule 273 states that the Speaker "may direct him to discontinue his speech, and the member shall thereupon resume his seat."

The rules also require MPs to stop speaking when the Speaker stands to address the chamber.

Rule 277 states, "Whenever the Speaker rises, he shall be heard in silence, and any member who is then speaking… shall immediately resume his seat."

It further provides that "No member shall leave his seat while the Speaker is addressing the House."

Together, these constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules seek to balance two principles: allowing MPs to speak freely inside parliament while maintaining discipline and order during parliamentary proceedings.