The contentious Counter Subversion Bill has been withdrawn by House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The development came about as a result of the bill’s trailer outcry.
On Wednesday, Abbas declared the bill’s withdrawal in a statement released by Musa Krishi, his spokesperson.
There have been rumors about the bill’s introduction, which calls for harsh punishments for anybody who decline to play the national anthem.
Abbas had previously defended the bill’s introduction by pointing out that it’s a common practice worldwide.
But hours later, the Speaker’s Office released a second statement in which they withdrew the bill.
“The Speaker 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,” parts of the statement announcing the withdrawal of the bill read.
