<i>Parliamentary democracy</i>
Photo: STAR
There is nothing the BNP chief likes more than a fit of tantrum, and there is no saying who or what will provoke her. The thought that the destiny of our nation is determined by such people is indeed alarming. Though for long she has been famous for her tantrums, her latest act was a little too much. Unruly behaviour by a senior parliamentarian sets a bad example for first-time MPs. People watching the proceedings of the parliament as well as reports from print media received a jolt on seeing how casually an MP dishonoured parliamentary democracy and the rule of law of the judiciary. Some months ago she boycotted the parliament, apparently displeased with the Speaker over seat allocation. Disruptions have long been a hallmark of the House. We are disappointed that the demands of some opposition MPs to discuss issues that are indeed of immensely vital importance to Bangladesh are in the current session of the parliament. Thus, we have not only lost an opportunity for the House to address the burning national issues, we have lost also an opportunity to add to the culture of parliamentary debate, something that is so woefully lacking in Bangladesh. In a democratic dispensation, where the parliament is the centrepiece of all legislative activities, participation of the opposition in parliamentary debates not only gives life to the parliament, it also adds to the very notion of checks and balance and ensures transparency of the government that is so critical in a democracy.
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