AL's decision to join JS

Hopefully, the move won't end up being a half measure of obviating the 90-day absence limit but go much beyond a token attendance. The MPs will be well advised to dynamically represent the voters, their constituencies and the whole nation through a sustained functioning in parliament. An alternative voice must be heard within the precincts of parliament to keep democracy moving and yielding its fruits to the people.

Much of the political malfunctioning in the country is ascribable to the opposition's boycott of parliament. This does not, however, preclude the responsibility of the Treasury Bench to afford full opportunity and space to the opposition on the floor of the House to play their due role.

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Jatiya Sangsad is the platform where the opposition can bring into focus the mass of public grievances which cannot be ventilated through street agitation. Moreover, agitation spells violence and disorder which are not compatible with an elective democracy. After all, people watch their performances over the electronic media.

While we welcome the AL decision to join the next parliamentary session, we must urge them not to go back to the boycott mode again. People simply don't want any more parliamentary stand-off. As we have said many times in the past, parliament-centred politics should have the primacy it deserves.

The nation has been paying a heavy price through the parliament losing its relevance and efficacy. The parliament's full potential to deliver goods to the people remain unutilised halfway through its tenure. Let the remainder of the JS' term see a lively parliament making up for the lost time.