, June 18 -- Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday clarified that MPs are not required to bow to the Chair when entering, leaving, taking or vacating their seats in the House, as the relevant provision was removed from the Rules of Procedure two decades ago.

Delivering a ruling from the Chair, the Speaker said the issue was raised through points of order by lawmaker Mohammad Mujibur Rahman of Rajshahi-1 on June 16 and lawmaker Joynal Abdin Faruk of Noakhali-2 on June 17 regarding the practice of showing respect to the presiding officer by bowing.

The Speaker said he had earlier informed the House that the matter would be examined and a decision communicated after reviewing the relevant rules and records.

Referring to Rule 267(1) of the...