Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu last night apologised in parliament for his remarks accusing MPs of stealing money from Test Relief (TR) and Food for Work (Kabikha) programmes.

Amid blistering attack, criticism and strong protest from treasury, opposition and independent lawmakers, the minister first said "sorry" but failed to quell the anger and then offered an apology to the MPs for his comment.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present and witnessed the whole incident.

Taking the floor on point of order, Awami League MP Abul Hasnat Abdullah started lambasting Inu's remarks and demanded that the information minister apologise to all the MPs in the House.

Senior AL and main opposition lawmakers also demanded a ruling from the Speaker in this regard.

"The media ran a story today [yesterday] where the information minister said half of the money of TR and Kabikha programmes goes to the pockets of MPs. He [Inu] also said sustainable development is not possible with beggars," said Hasnat.

He also said it is essential to conduct an investigation to know what development happened under the TR and Kabikha programmes in the constituency of the information minister.

During his speech, all the MPs were seen chanting "shame", "shame" (on the information minister).

Jatiya Party lawmaker Kazi Firoz Rashid said, "It seems we all 350 MPs have become thieves with the information minister's remarks…There's only one saint here and that's our information minister."

He said, "The information minister has said 150 tonnes [wheat or rice] out of 300 tonnes of Kabikha go to the pockets of MPs and we [MPs] also grab the rest 150 tonnes by giving the shares to chairmen and members."

"What message is he giving to the people when the country is going through a difficult time? It's unforgivable. There's no alternative to rendering unconditional apology," the Jatiya Party presidium member said.

Independent MP Rustum Ali Faraji said the information minister undermined all the MPs and tarnished the image of both the MPs and the government. "I strongly protest it. He must withdraw his remarks and render unconditional apology."

At this stage, the information minister took the floor and said, "I'm sincerely sorry as the MPs have got offended following a misunderstanding created over my speech delivered at a discussion on sustainable development."

Inu said he had sent a statement to the media in this regard on Sunday night.

As he claimed that he cited the example depicting the scenario of mismanagement and corruption of the previous government in TR and Kabikha programmes, all the MPs shouted saying, "no...no", rejecting his claim.

Inu also claimed that some parts of his speech came in the media while some did not. "Being an MP, I always respect MPs and public representatives…I sincerely express sorry to the honourable MPs and the public representatives and withdraw my speech published in the media."

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, who was presiding over the session, wanted to stop the issue, but failed as MPs kept on pressing their demand for unconditional apology from Inu.

Later, the information minister stood again and said, "I think the remark about the MPs and public representatives which was published in the media quoting me was unexpected...I say sorry and offer an apology."