Sangsad Bhaban, May 5 (UNB)- Independent MP Abdul Latif Siddiqui on Sunday in parliament said he couldn't become vocal for 60 years due to his affiliation with Awami League.
 
"Today, you have untied the hook from my neck. Therefore, I will try to speak as long as I am here--no matter how many obstacles you create," Latif Siddique said while speaking on a point of order.
 
Siddiqui was expelled from the cabinet and the party in 2014 due to his controversial comments on Hajj.
 
He was speaking in protest of placing a bill titled "Local Government (Union Parishad) (Amendment) Bill, 2024".
 
The bill has a provision to appoint administrators in Union Parishads on the expiry of five-year tenure of the elected representatives.
 
LGRD Minister Tajul Islam placed the Bill which was sent to the respective ministry for further examination.
 
Latif Siddique strongly opposed placing of the bill saying the provision of appointing administrator in the local government body is totally undemocratic.
 
The bill states that the government can appoint administrators in Union Parishads after the expiry of tenure. But the appointment will be for one time and maximum 120 days.
 
Pointing to the ruling Awami League MPs, Latif Siddique in his speech said those who have rope attached to their necks will not speak.
 
"I also didn't speak for 60 years. Today you have untied the hook from my neck. So as long as I'm there - no matter how much you interrupt - I'll try to talk," he said.
 
He said this while opposing the introduction of the amended Local Government (Union Council) Bill-2024 in the National Parliament on Sunday. Before this, a bill was raised in the Parliament adding the provision of appointment of administrator in the Union Parishad.
 
Latif Siddiqui was a member of the presidium of the Awami League and was a minister in AL government.
 
He became completely inactive in politics for a long time.
 
Latif Siddiqui was elected an independent MP in the January 7 parliamentary polls.
 
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