Editorial
Quorum crisis in JS
It needs addressing in earnest
A Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) study shows that since the ninth Jatiya Sangsad (JS) came into existence, the main opposition remained out of the House for 83 per cent of its total working days. In this manner, the opposition did not only abdicate its oversight role in parliament, but also failed to speak for its constituencies.
As if that was not enough of an impediment to parliament's full functioning, what has come out of TIB's survey is even more depressing when the business of the House has been stymied by quorum crisis it reflects the lawmakers' lack of interest in parliamentary proceedings. That is very unfortunate given the absolute majority the Awami League (AL) government enjoys in the JS combined with the strength of its grand alliance members. As such, for the AL government, it should not have been any problem with maintaining quorum in the House.
As for the cabinet members, they, too, are conspicuous by their not-so-inspiring record at JS attendance ranging from 40 to 60 per cent. But on one occasion, 80 per cent of the ministers defaulted on that score, which hardly speaks well of the ministers' responsibility in keeping the JS functional and dynamic.
Amidst this disheartening scenario, the punctuality and record percentage of attendance by the Leader of the House stands out as an example worth emulating by other lawmakers. This is a measure of the importance the Prime Minister attaches to Parliament.
Now the opposition should see it fit to join parliament to attend to issues of vital national importance. Simultaneously, the Treasury Bench should play a hands-on role to enhance the quality of debate through regular presence of the lawmakers.
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