The Special Power* (Amendment) Bill 1991 was passed in Parliament Saturday night in few minutes in the absence of opposition which staged a walkout falling to raise discussion on the situation in cyclone devastated areas, reports UNB.

The bill Inter alia incorporated certain offences punishable under sections of the penal code.

Earlier the House adopted two more bills - The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 1991 - while consideration of the Press Council (Amendment) Bill 1991 placed In the House was deferred by State Minister for Information Nurul Huda.

Immediately after the passage of the second bill, more than a score members from the Opposition were on their legs demanding discussion on the situation tn cyclone-affected areas.

But the Deputy Speaker Sheikh Razzak All was firm In his decision. He ruled that discussion on the situation can be held after the legislative business and he urged the members to consider the bill which will not take more than half an hour.

But the Opposition did not listen to the advice. All sec Hons of the Opposition groups staged a walkout protesting ruling of the chair.

This gave the Treasury Bench a smooth sailing of the Special Powers (Amendment) Bill which was adopted within five minutes.

Earlier, winding up discus sion on the Arms (Amendment) Bill. Foreign Minister Muslaftaur Rahman assuaged the apprehension of the Opposition members that It will be misused to meet the political ends