Editorial
Parliamentarians take a dig at media
We wish the criticism had been advisory rather than hostile
The unscheduled heated debate in the JS on Tuesday centering around some media reports was regrettably largely marked by imputation of motives instead of pointing out any factual inaccuracy, error or indeed any other inadequacy in them. Almost the entire exercise was unfortunately denunciatory rather than constructive -- until at the very end when the Speaker called upon the media to expose wrongdoing based on truth and demonstrative maturity.
Finger-pointing at motives that are farfetched, well beyond the contents of the report, was regrettable. It left the impression, for the first time perhaps, that the parliament was looking at the media as a foe, not as a partner in building democracy. The legislature, judiciary and press play a mutually reinforcing role in relation to answerability of the executive and are thus vital pillars for an effective and vibrant democracy.
The newspaper reports that spurred the debate were on privileges and perks being enjoyed by members of parliament in terms of salary, allowances, collection of financial entitlements despite long absence from parliament for political reasons, overseas trips and the level of their interest in lawmaking. It is only natural for the public to have questions as to why members of parliament should be drawing remuneration and allowances although they did not discharge their given responsibilities through participation in parliament. As a matter of fact, the erosion of the prestige of parliament has not been the handiwork of outsiders but of the members of parliament themselves through boycott of JS sessions and frequent lack of quorum, of which both the political parties are guilty by turn. Also, the public wonder why the MPs accumulate arrears in utility bills even though they have been regularly drawing allowances to pay for these.
Newspapers are obliged to carry reports on such issues driven entirely by considerations of public concern and curiosity as well as of giving a certain perspective to the lawmakers of the public sentiments about such matters. They must know what the nation is sacrificing for them so that they are motivated to give their best in lawmaking and oversight roles through substantive debates and enriched contributions.
Instead of looking at any critical news coverage or analysis positively, they seem fixated on the notion that journalists are up and about castigating them. Thereby, they think the journalists are weakening them, undermining their dignity and weakening the institution of parliament. But before spewing out sweeping innuendoes against newspapers had the lawmakers judged for themselves whether the reports are factually correct or fabricated, it would have not only benefited the media but also the nation. Just where the reports went wrong and how ought to have been the thrust of their debate rather than engaging in vitriol against some reports.
The legislators seem to think that being elected by the people they are above scrutiny. But because they are elected, it's all the more reason why they must, of their own volition, subject themselves to public scrutiny by way of receiving valuable feedback from time to time in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
An alarming report on children’s exposure to climate risks
19 June 2026, 19:07 PM
Editorial
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
19 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Weak policing fuelling rise in crimes
17 June 2026, 18:18 PM
Editorial
Comments