MP Criticises Parliament’s Poor-Quality Headphones

Concerns over the quality of technical equipment used in Bangladesh’s parliament have surfaced after opposition lawmaker Mir Ahmed Bin Kashem—widely known as Barrister Arman—publicly criticised the headphones provided to Members of Parliament during the inaugural session of the country’s 13th National Parliament.

The criticism emerged on Thursday (12 March) when the MP shared his experience in a post on his verified Facebook account towards the end of the parliamentary sitting. According to Barrister Arman, the headphones supplied to legislators were of such poor quality that using them caused discomfort and even physical pain.

Complaint Over Audio Equipment

In his post, the opposition MP uploaded a photograph of the black over-ear headphones distributed to lawmakers in the chamber. He wrote that the device’s poor design and sound quality had caused pain extending “from the ears to the head” while he attempted to listen to the proceedings.

He also criticised the audio clarity of the equipment, claiming that the sound quality was extremely low and inadequate for parliamentary use. In his view, the older devices previously used in the parliament building might have delivered clearer audio.

The MP expressed disappointment over what he described as the unsatisfactory standard of equipment provided in such a key national institution.

Technical Disruptions During the Session

The criticism came at a time when the parliamentary session itself experienced technical disruptions. During the proceedings, a mechanical fault affected the chamber’s microphone system, interrupting the smooth delivery of speeches and debates.

To address the situation, the Speaker of Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, temporarily suspended the session for approximately 20 minutes in order to resolve the technical issues.

Following the break, the sitting resumed at around 12:45 pm, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presiding over the chamber. However, audio problems persisted for some time after the session resumed.

At certain moments, the Speaker was reportedly compelled to use a handheld microphone to continue parliamentary proceedings while technicians worked to stabilise the sound system.

Broader Questions About Parliamentary Infrastructure

The incident has sparked discussion regarding the technical infrastructure used in parliamentary proceedings, particularly as the 13th National Parliament begins its legislative activities. Parliamentary audio systems and interpretation equipment play an essential role in ensuring that debates, speeches, and procedural announcements are clearly audible to all members present in the chamber.

Reliable audio equipment is especially important in parliamentary settings where simultaneous listening devices, microphones, and translation systems help maintain orderly debate and ensure accurate communication among lawmakers.

Barrister Arman’s public criticism has therefore drawn attention not only to the quality of the headphones but also to the overall technical preparedness of the parliamentary chamber during the opening session of the new parliament.

Call for Improved Standards

Although no official response has yet been issued regarding the complaint, observers say the matter highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of equipment and infrastructure within the country’s highest legislative body.

As parliamentary sessions continue in the coming weeks, attention may turn to whether authorities will review or upgrade the audio devices and sound systems used by Members of Parliament to prevent similar disruptions and ensure a more comfortable working environment for lawmakers.