Jamaat ‘Embarrassed’ by MPs’ Misstatements
Logo of Jamaat-e-Islami. Graphics: Agamir Somoy
For the first time, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has entered Parliament as an opposition force following its success in the 13th national parliamentary election. The party won 68 seats on its own, while its 11-party alliance captured a total of 77 seats. However, amid this success, the party’s top leadership has found itself ‘embarrassed’ by factual errors, controversial remarks, and irrelevant statements made by its MPs in the parliament. The situation has reached a point where the party is planning training programs and workshops to improve the parliamentary competence of its MPs. Leaders note that parliament is not merely a platform for movements, organization-building, or electoral politics; it is a forum where every word, fact, and statement becomes part of the official state record.
The reality, analysts say, is that most of the party’s MPs are first-time members of parliament. Of those elected, 59 are new faces. Political observers believe this group is struggling with a lack of experience in parliamentary language, the use of data and evidence, budget analysis, lawmaking, and presenting statements on key national issues.
The most prominent recent controversy centered on Abdul Muntakim, the MP of Nilphamari-4. On June 14 while giving his speech in parliament, he claimed that both his father and grandfather were martyrs of the Liberation War. The remarks quickly spread on social media, triggering a wave of criticism after multiple sources reported that his father is alive. He later corrected his statement, describing it as a ‘slip of the tongue,’ and said he had intended to refer to his father’s uncle.
Another controversy involved Mohammad Abdus Sattar, MP of Nilphamari-1, his use of a metaphor in parliament drew objections. Mizanur Rahman, MP of Chapainawabganj-2, also came under scrutiny after remarks about residential facilities for lawmakers. Instead of focusing on local development or national policy, references to items such as ovens, curtains, or personal needs sparked widespread ridicule on social media.
In addition, budget-related comments by MP of Kushtia-3, Mufti Amir Hamza, drew criticism after he referred to the national budget as being ‘600 crore taka,’ prompting debate over the accuracy of the figure.
Multiple party sources said senior leaders have discussed these incidents at the highest level. Top leaders have held separate conversations with several MPs, advising them to prepare more thoroughly before speaking in parliament, verify facts and figures, and prioritize issues of national importance. Discussions are also underway on adopting a coordinated strategy to present the party’s position in a more organized manner in parliament.
The party’s plans include regular orientation workshops for MPs, special briefings on the budget and economy, training on parliamentary rules and conduct, assistance in preparing data-driven speeches, and guidance on dealing with the media and speaking in public forums.
A senior Jamaat leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Most of our MPs are new. They may be skilled in activism, organizational work, or their professional lives, but parliamentary politics is different. They need greater proficiency in how to speak in parliament and how to present issues appropriately.”
He further said that the party is giving serious attention to training MPs and leaders at different levels. He added that workshops for lawmakers are being planned, where experienced individuals will provide guidance on parliamentary conduct, budget discussions, lawmaking procedures, and public communication.
However, party leaders believe that the mistakes made by their MPs are being exaggerated. They argue that occasional errors by new lawmakers are not unusual. They also claim that in many cases, specific portions of speeches are circulated on social media in a cropped form, leading to misunderstandings.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said, “A small mistake by our MPs is being discussed in a way that is not seen in the case of other parties’ lawmakers. MPs from almost all parties make controversial or irrelevant remarks at different times in parliament. But in the case of Jamaat, these issues receive disproportionate attention. Political opponents are also trying to amplify them.”
He said such isolated mistakes are not unusual for new MPs and will reduce over time with experience.
Hamidur Rahman Azad further said that parliamentary work does not align with traditional politics. He noted that very limited speech is allowed beyond parliamentary rules, and members must understand where and how to raise specific issues. He added that there are opportunities to present demands and proposals in various committees, but gaining such experience takes time. Training and workshops, however, will continue.
Political analyst Professor Dr. Ainul Islam believes that the issue of inexperience is not limited to Jamaat alone. He said that because this parliament has a large number of new members, the issue has become more visible. “Not only in Jamaat, but also in BNP, NCP, and other parties, similar mistakes are being observed among new members. Speaking in parliament is a specialized skill that develops with time and experience,” he said.
He further recommended that the Parliament Secretariat should regularly organize training and orientation programs for newly elected MPs. According to him, this would improve parliamentary conduct, procedural knowledge, and speech delivery, while also reducing such controversies.
Observers believe that to sustain its electoral success, Jamaat must prove its capability not only in the electoral arena but also inside parliament. For that, the party’s biggest challenge now is to quickly adapt to the language, conduct, and discipline of parliamentary politics.
