JS body for MP's code of conduct bill
A parliamentary body yesterday recommended that the House pass a bill on code of conduct for lawmakers.
It came up with the recommendation after scrutinising a bill placed by ruling AL lawmaker Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
The parliamentary standing committee on private members' bill and resolutions suggested the passage of the bill at a time when the House witnesses frequent use of indecent and vulgar words by MPs in their speeches.
"Duties, responsibilities and behaviour of lawmakers are very sensitive for the state. People expect their representatives in parliament will work for development of the county, and behave themselves,” said committee chief Abdul Matin Khasru.
In a brief statement tagged with the scrutiny report, Khasru said, "We humiliate ourselves before the public if we use indecent, vulgar and attacking words in parliament.”
Khasru, also a former law minister, said such behaviour does not create employment for an unemployed youth, and cannot provide rice and wheat or even medical treatment for the poor.
"It is possible to uphold the dignity of the House through practising democratic norms and culture and showing mutual honour," he said.
The committee proposed passing the bill with some modifications.
On the aims and reasons of placing the bill, Saber Hossain said, “There is no alternative to a positive role of lawmakers for building a progressive, fair and rational society.” The bill proposes formation of a nine-member ethics committee headed by the speaker to investigate allegations against lawmakers. The committee will have representatives from lawmakers of all political parties.
“If a lawmaker receives gifts or services worth over Tk 10,000, he or she will have to inform the ethics committee,” the bill proposed.
A legislator must not receive any gift if it influences his or her duties as an MP, it said.
On freedom of speech in parliament, the bill says lawmakers' speeches must follow the norms of democracy and tolerance.
Their speeches must be objective, thoughtful and logical. They should consciously avoid causing harm to any individual who does not enjoy the same privileges.
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