Microphone glitch disrupts parliament proceedings

Bangla Press Desk:  The national assembly has been forced into another unexpected pause as a microphone failure disrupted the session for the second time since the 13th Parliament began.

On Sunday evening, proceedings were suspended for 40 minutes after Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni’s address became inaudible amid a ruckus between government and Opposition MPs following the passage of two bills.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad confirmed the issue, saying his own microphone was also malfunctioning.

At 6:00 pm, he announced a 40-minute suspension to allow repairs and for prayers.

A similar disruption had occurred on Mar 12, the opening day of the 13th Parliament, when a faulty sound system halted proceedings.

During the session, Chief Whip Moni was speaking on the bill approving the interim government’s ordinance that sets the maximum age for entry into civil service at 32.

Opposition MPs refused to vote in favour, prompting his criticism.

Government MPs supported him, escalating the confusion, and neither side could clearly hear the proceedings.

Observing the chaos, the speaker instructed Moni to sit and eventually declared the recess.

Parliamentary officials later tested the sound system to prevent further interruptions.

The repeated microphone failures have raised questions over parliament’s logistical readiness, highlighting challenges in ensuring uninterrupted legislative sessions.