Dhaka, June 16 -- Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mujibur Rahman has objected to the longstanding practice of bowing while entering the parliament chamber.

He has argued that the custom conflicts with Islamic principles.

Speaking on a point of order at the start of Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, Mujibur said the practice is inconsistent with Islam and came close to Shirk, or associating partners with Allah.

The Opposition MP also called on all members to adhere to the amendment that had been introduced to remove such conduct from the rules of procedure.Addressing Speaker Hafiz Uddin, he said: "I occasionally notice you greeting with salam in a respectful way. We also offer salam and respond. But later on, that slight bowing still remains.

"It is...