Independent lawmaker from Brahmanbaria-2, Rumeen Farhana today in the parliament sought the speaker’s intervention over derogatory remarks made about her and two other female lawmakers.

Raising a point of order in the House this afternoon, she addressed Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad: “I would like to draw your attention to another matter. A report has been published in The Daily Star today, stating that a fellow member of this House delivered what can only be described as an offensive and distasteful sermon, using abusive language against me and two other female colleagues present in parliament. I seek justice in this regard and request your attention to the matter. I hope you will look into it.”

In response, the speaker said, “If you read the rules of procedure, you will see that no point of order can be raised, based on newspaper reporting.”

A recent video clip that went viral on social media showed Kushtia-3 MP and Islamic preacher Amir Hamza commenting on the physical appearance of female MPs.

“There were Rumeen Farhana apa and minister Patal’s daughter, Farzana Sharmin. On my right and left, I saw such pot-bellied people. Since the seats are arranged in advance, we do not even know who will sit where. By Allah’s will, when I entered, I found pot-bellied people on both sides -- so huge that, if cut open, perhaps bridges and culverts would be revealed. Women would feel embarrassed if they saw them,” Hamza was heard saying.

Earlier Syed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, MP from Madaripur-1, also sought justice after being called a “militant” within the parliament premises.

Hanzala said, “With deep regret, I must say that on March 30, I attended the janaza of your (the speaker’s) spouse. As I was about to enter from the South Plaza; someone from behind, at close range, referring to me, said, ‘There goes the militant MP.’”

He added that the matter later gained traction on social media, with widespread discussion and circulation of the video. “When a sitting MP is labelled a militant within the parliament premises, it undermines the dignity of this House,” he said.

At this point, Hanzala demanded that the home minister be instructed to conduct a proper investigation into the incident.

Responding to Hanzala’s remarks, the speaker said, “The matter is indeed very unfortunate. I would request that you submit a notice under a question of privilege. We will consider the issue.”