No state duty more important than Parliament: Speaker

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said that no state activity is more important than attending parliamentary sessions, stressing that ministers should remain present in the House during discussions on issues related to their ministries.

The Speaker made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman regarding the absence of ministers during parliamentary proceedings.

“Among all state activities, the parliament session carries the highest importance,” Hafiz Uddin said.

He said that lawmakers discuss the activities of various ministries during the budget session, and concerned ministers should be present to listen to those discussions and take necessary measures whenever possible.

Addressing the Chief Whip, the Speaker said, “You should ask the ministers to come to parliament on time. They should listen to the issues raised by lawmakers regarding their ministries and try to take corrective steps if possible.”

Earlier, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said he had repeatedly requested the Speaker to make parliament more effective and vibrant. He complained that ministers or representatives of concerned ministries often remain absent while discussions on their respective ministries take place.

Responding to the issue, the Speaker said the matter had also been discussed earlier. At that time, the government Chief Whip had informed him that ministers often remain busy with different official duties. However, he reiterated the importance of parliamentary sessions and called on ministers to maintain regular attendance.

TZ