Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent Member of Parliament elected from the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, launched a scathing critique of the governing BNP’s policies, energy crises, and political intolerance during a debate on a public opinion proposal in the third session of the 13th National Parliament.
Addressing the house, MP Farhana remarked, “Every government possesses a distinct character. It is impossible that BNP comes to power and there will be no gas or electricity crisis. It is equally impossible that BNP comes to power and there will be no fertilizer crisis or that poor farmers will not loot fertilizer.” Pointing toward the financial sector, she added, “It is impossible that BNP takes power and Bangladesh will not top the world corruption index. It is impossible that under BNP, Bangladesh will not reach an all-time high in loan defaults.”
Her sharp remarks provoked immediate rowdiness and loud protests from the ruling treasury benches. As tension escalated, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal urged lawmakers to maintain order. Responding directly to the uproar, Farhana stated, “This parliament is so intolerant—it feels like we have returned directly to the Awami League era. When I spoke back then, Awami League MPs shouted in the same way. Now, BNP is demonstrating the exact same behavior, if not worse.” She further alleged that a majority of current MPs carry loan default records, strategically clearing their names prior to elections.
