Opposition Walks Out as President Faces Protests at Opening Speech of 13th Parliament

President Mohammed Shahabuddin faced unprecedented protests from opposition lawmakers at the beginning of his address during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, prompting a walkout by opposition members.

According to parliamentary convention, the President delivers a speech at the first session of parliament. However, opposition members claimed that he had no legitimate authority to deliver the address.

The Speaker of Parliament, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, announced the arrival of the President in the chamber at around 3:40 pm on Thursday.

As the announcement was made, opposition lawmakers began protesting. Amid the protests, the ceremonial bugle sounded and President Shahabuddin entered the chamber.

He stood in front of his designated seat placed to the right of the Speaker’s chair. At that moment, the national anthem was played and the national flag was displayed on the monitors inside the chamber. Members of the ruling party stood up to show respect, while members of the opposition alliance initially remained seated. However, midway through the national anthem, the opposition members also stood.

After the anthem concluded, the President took his seat.

Meanwhile, members of the Jamaat–NCP alliance displayed placards and continued their protests. They shouted slogans such as “Killer Chuppu,” “Fascist Chuppu,” and “Get out Chuppu,” addressing the President. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed repeatedly requested them to maintain order while the President stood in front of the lectern prepared for his speech.

Opposition Deputy Leader Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Hasnat Abdullah led the protest slogans.

They chanted slogans including “Fascism and democracy cannot coexist” and “Supporters of fascism, beware.” Opposition members also banged on their desks and shouted, creating a tense atmosphere in the chamber.

During the commotion, some BNP lawmakers said the opposition was acting inappropriately, arguing that the President was partly acceptable and partly not, but disrespecting him in parliament was not justified. Most ruling party lawmakers, however, remained seated quietly.

During the protest, opposition members demanded the President’s impeachment, resignation, and arrest without using microphones. Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the President was an associate and collaborator of authoritarianism and fascism and that the opposition could not accept his speech in parliament.

At one stage, Hasnat Abdullah left his seat and rushed toward the President’s lectern but was restrained by the opposition deputy leader, who spread his arms and guided opposition members out of the chamber.

After about four minutes of disruption, the President began delivering his speech, although protests continued. Eventually, opposition lawmakers walked out of the chamber while chanting slogans.

The President later completed his scheduled address, after which the Speaker adjourned the parliamentary session.