Jamaat MP Mujibur Rahman Objects to 'Bowing' Custom Upon Entering Parliament Chamber

Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Amir and Member of Parliament (MP) Mujibur Rahman raised objections on Tuesday regarding the parliamentary custom of bowing or lowering one's head toward the Speaker's chair upon entering the assembly chamber.

Speaking on a point of order during the parliamentary session on June 16, the lawmaker argued that bowing fundamentally conflicts with Islamic tenets and borders on 'shirk' (idolatry), urging the House to completely abandon the practice.

Delving into parliamentary history, Mujibur Rahman stated that while the Rules of Procedure of the third parliament in 1986 mandated bowing as a sign of respect, the clause was subsequently amended and removed. Addressing the Chair, he noted that despite the amendment, the practice of bowing persists among several lawmakers, including the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. He emphasized that everyone should adhere to the revised rules to avoid religious transgressions, suggesting that standard Islamic greetings (Salam) should suffice instead.

In response, the Speaker stated that the matter would be scrutinized in light of the parliamentary Rules of Procedure and past amendments before delivering a formal clarification. However, the Speaker maintained that the gesture remains largely a matter of personal discretion, noting that legislative bodies worldwide observe diverse traditions where some members greet vocally while others bow.