A debate broke out in Parliament on Monday after an opposition lawmaker raised concerns over the repeated absence of ministers during the ongoing budget session.
Opposition lawmaker elected from Dhaka-12 Saiful Alam Khan Milon raised the issue during the general discussion on the proposed national budget chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
The Speaker acknowledged the issue and called for improved attendance to ensure more effective participation in one of the House’s most important proceedings.
MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon said he has observed that most ministers remained absent for much of the budget session despite lawmakers preparing extensively for their speeches.
“We come here after taking detailed notes and making preparations. Members from the treasury bench and different political parties participate in the discussions but most ministers are not present,” he said.
Pointing to several empty ministerial seats including those of the Health Minister and Home Minister Milon sought the Speaker’s intervention.
In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said he also wished to see greater ministerial participation during the budget session.
“You should be thankful that at least the Finance Minister is present. However, other ministers should also attend. The budget session is an important session and we would be obliged if they remained present,” he said.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam said many ministers were occupied with official duties but agreed that their presence in Parliament was important.
“The reality is that many ministers remain busy with state affairs. Nevertheless, they should attend Parliament. It is certainly better when they are present,” he said.
Defending the government, he noted that the Finance Minister remained present throughout the budget discussions because all sectoral issues eventually came under his purview.
“Whether members speak about health, power, law and order or any other sector, the Finance Minister ultimately responds on behalf of the government,” he added.
The Chief Whip also expressed hope that ministers who were frequently absent would attend future sittings, listen carefully to lawmakers’ concerns and play a more active role in resolving public issues.
Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku responded to the opposition criticism by pointing out the absence of the opposition leader and deputy leader from the House.
“Before criticising the absence of ministers, they should look at themselves. Neither the Leader nor the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is present in Parliament,” he said.
The Speaker, however, remarked that ministerial attendance was more important.
“It is not a major problem if the opposition leader is absent. Ministers need to be present because they are responsible for responding on behalf of the government. Still, for the sake of parliamentary decorum, everyone’s presence is desirable,” he said.
Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman is currently on an official visit to Malaysia. Accompanying him are Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.