Editorial
Lack of oversight by parliamentary bodies
Standing committees fail to exercise authority
Parliamentarians need to review laws already enacted, particularly those that deal with fundamental rights, such as civil liberties. These need to be monitored on how they are being implemented in the field. Parliamentary Standing Committees (PSCs) are empowered by Article 76 (2) (b) of the constitution to review both enforcement of laws and propose measures for the better enforcement of laws should they see fit. Such review is needed particularly in light of the fact that several laws like The Speedy Trials Act or indeed Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure continue to be misused to settle political scores and violate human rights, as highlighted in the recent case of Limon.
In addition, the constitution empowers PSCs to determine whether a particular law is needed or not under Article 76 (2) (a). The common practice in Bangladesh has been to draft new laws by respective ministries that are sent to parliamentary bodies with limited timeframes for a review prior to their passage through parliament for enactment. It is imperative that all laws are scrutinised with due diligence by these bodies. Given the import of new laws, we urge the PSC to review these thoroughly and should more time be required, parliamentarians must make it a point to tell respective ministries that such time is granted for them to do a thorough job.
PSCs need to assert their authority to ensure proper enforcement of laws and we would like to bring the matter to the attention of the speaker of the House. Were this to become a regular practice, misuse of laws could be prevented to a large degree and a system of check-and-balance institutionalised. Opposition lawmakers are members of several such committees. Hence there is an obligation from their side to be part of the process to look into this serious matter.
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