The incurable quorum crisis

First of all, the oft-repeated resolve of the BNP to make national politics parliament-centered and turn the legislature into a decision-making body, is negated by frequent quorum crises. The ruling party members' truancy, rather its own brand of 'absenteeism' from parliament has only proved the hollowness of that resolution. This has most regrettably struck at the very root of the parliament's functioning as a democratic institution.

Questions of political morality and personal ethics are involved, too. The MPs' salaries, perks and privileges have seen some upward adjustments in recent times rendering it absolutely obligatory in the public eye for them to deliver as legislators unfailingly, which in turn requires them to participate in the parliamentary proceedings on a regular basis. But they do not have the minimum courtesy of attending the House in numbers minimally stipulated for a sitting of parliament to transact a given day's business. That the parliament has become so unimportant is proven beyond any shadow of doubt by the interminable quorum crises on the floor of the House.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

This makes us recall, by association of thoughts, the huge telephone bill payment default of the MPs reported from time to time. Lawmakers being rule-breakers -- how awkward that must sound! Maybe the parliament secretariat should let the public know whether the arrears have been cleared by the MPs.

Unfortunately, they do not seem to realise that frequent lack of quorum is not only sullying their personal image, but also that of the parliament. This can deal a severe blow to the parliamentary system. It is our view, therefore, that ruling party members have forfeited their right to criticise the opposition's boycott of parliament, given the fact that the quorum syndrome has almost a similar negative effect on the Jatiya Sangsad's functioning.