Editorial
Lawmaker's attempted high-handedness
Such conduct can erode government's credibility
Our attention is drawn to the observation made by the FBCCI President, in presence of the Finance Minister, while addressing a gathering at the inaugural program of online VAT return submission in Dhaka on Tuesday last. This relates to an issue not exactly relevant to the occasion. However, it's a matter of importance.
According to reports, the FBCCI President, referring to a news paper report said, a ruling party MP assaulted an Executive Engineer of Water Development Board in Barisal over a tender, he apparently wanted to go his son's way. He was later forced to leave the place under police protection to save him from public wrath.
Malpractice or in other words 'abuse' of power by ruling party lawmakers and their henchmen is nothing new. It has gone on for a long time now. We are appalled to say, that in spite of the Prime Minister's reminders and tough warnings to the ruling party leaders, ministers and MP's, to eschew abuse of power including nepotism, things have not changed much. These fell on deaf ears; the lure of money got the better of their best judgement.
It has become a culture that the tendering process has to be won by the influential as in most cases it is the ruling political heavyweights that carry the day. Even scuffles and gunfights are known to have occurred revolving round the tender business.
On a related plane, there were reports of the Bangladesh Chatra League cadres involved in meddling in tender businesses which somehow made ruling party high ups invoke the RPO provision saying that they were not responsible for BCL actions anymore, as it was a separate entity.
We call upon the authorities to delve deep into the matter and carry out a probe into the alleged Barisal incident. If it comes true, appropriate action should be taken against the attempted abuse of power.
We would also like to see all the government institutions and departments function professionally without outside interference. This is important to enhance the credibility of the government.
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