The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has officially withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652), which proposed penalties for refusing to recite the national anthem, destroying national symbols, or defacing places of worship. The bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, had sparked considerable debate and public concern.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas explained that the decision to withdraw the bill was made after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and careful consideration of the current circumstances in the country.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House,” the statement read.
The statement further emphasized that Speaker Abbas recognized the importance of the concerns raised by the public and the attention the bill had received. “He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”
The public was also informed that the Counter Subversion Bill and other related bills introduced on July 23, 2024, have been officially withdrawn.