Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has requested members of parliament not to address him as 'His Excellency' during parliamentary sessions. The request came on Wednesday, April 22, during the question-and-answer session of the National Parliament, when Moulvibazar-2 MP Md. Shawkatul Islam used the term while addressing him. The Prime Minister politely asked that the phrase not be used again in future addresses. His remark was met with table-thumping approval from other MPs present in the chamber.

Earlier, MP Shawkatul Islam, representing the BNP, had begun his question by apologizing for his voice condition and expressing his honor in being able to directly question the Prime Minister. He then inquired about the government’s initiatives concerning public health. The exchange took place in a formal parliamentary setting, reflecting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on modest and respectful communication norms.

The session also included discussions on other national matters, including energy problem-solving committees and reports on education sector corruption, though these were separate from the Prime Minister’s request.