The parliament today witnessed heated debate as MPs from treasury and opposition benches locked horns to blamed each other over club culture, illegal consumption of alcohol and gambling.

Today's Jatiya Sangsad session was marked by spirited debate among Awami League, BNP, Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party MPs over various clubs, alcohol and gambling in Dhaka city.

Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu started the discussion at the beginning of the session today.

Later, Awami League's Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, BNP's Harunur Rashid, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation's Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandari, and Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga took part in the debate. The Prime Minister and leader of the House, Sheikh Hasina, was also present in parliament at the time.

Chunnu said, "For a few days now, discussion is on about an actress. The incident happened at Boat Club. Who formed this club? Who are the members of this club? I have heard that Tk 50-60 lakh is required to become a member of this club. Who becomes a member by spending such huge amount of money?... I didn't even earn that much in my life."

Referring to several clubs in Dhaka, Chunnu said, "Alcohol is consumed at these clubs, and gambling also happens there. A person needs license to consume alcohol in Bangladesh. Gallons after gallons of alcohol are sold there. People with license drink but this huge amount wasn't supposed to be sold."

Without naming anyone, Chunnu also said, "How do government officials become members of these clubs? Where does all the money come from?"

Shortly after Chunnu's remarks, Awami League presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim blamed BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for giving permission and issuing license regarding alcohol and gambling in Bangladesh.

"Bangabandhu stopped alcohol and gambling license. Ziaur Rahman restored it," he said.

BNP MP Harunur Rashid said, "An opposition MP tried to draw the attention of the Prime Minister to a specific issue. But a senior member (Sheikh Selim) talked on another issue. Many foreigners live in Bangladesh. Also, for people of other religions, alcohol is legal. But law does not allow it for Muslims."

Harun said he will resign from the parliament if anyone can prove that Ziaur Rahman gave license to legalise alcohol.

He said, "At all these clubs, government officials are involved in the alcohol business. Police extort money from these places. The prime minister should look into this."

Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandari of Bangladesh Tarikat Federation said that BNP MP Harun should resign today as Ziaur Rahman gave permission to allow Muslims to drink alcohol.