TIB wants inclusive polls to ensure effective JS
�Tk 32.42cr wasted in five sittings of the 6th session of the 10th parliament as a result
of crisis over quorum�
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described Parliament as a theatre for Muppet shows, pointing out that it has wasted Tk 32,42,31,000 in its five sittings of the sixth session of the Tenth Parliament as a result of the crisis over quorum. Although the presence of MPs has increased, including that of Opposition members, the question remains as to how much of an Opposition they are, argued TIB.
At the same time, the Jatiya Sangsad has failed to play its role because of the failure of both the Treasury benches and the Opposition members, TIBs executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said while presenting its Parliament Watch report to journalists at a news conference at Midas Centre in the city yesterday.
To make Parliament more effective, the Opposition must play its real role, and shun the controversial position it has taken. The TIB demanded inclusive and credible polls for an effective Parliament as the Opposition in the current Parliament was formed following controversial elections.
The TIB offered a 12-point set of recommendations to consolidate parliamentary democracy, making the members of Parliament more accountable, making the Speaker more effective in putting an end to unparliamentary behaviour, and allocating more time for debates on important issues of public interest. Replying to a question, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said credible and inclusive elections were necessary to make Parliament effective. When and how these will be held depend on the decision of politically important people, he said.
He, however, expressed hope that an initiative would betaken to make Parliament more effective.
