Member of Parliament Abdul Hannan Masud has explained why opposition lawmakers remained seated during the national anthem at the first session of the 13th National Parliament. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, he said that when the Speaker announced the President’s speech, opposition members stood with placards and chanted slogans in protest. As the President entered the chamber, ruling party members stood to show respect, while opposition members continued their protest and remained seated.

Masud stated that the national anthem began playing at the same time, but opposition members did not realize it due to their protest and sound issues with the speaker system. When MP Hasnat Abdullah noticed the anthem was playing, he informed the others, and they immediately stood to show respect until the anthem ended. Masud expressed hope that the misunderstanding would be resolved and that accurate information would help build a united Bangladesh.