Opposition may form shadow parliament: Dy Speaker

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, has said that the opposition may form a shadow parliament to make the National Parliament more effective and stronger. He said both the ruling and opposition parties must play responsible roles in consolidating parliamentary democracy. At the same time, effective reforms and accountability in state institutions are essential.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the autumn festival and reception programme for the 31st batch of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at the University of Dhaka on Tuesday.

Kaiser Kamal said that an effective shadow cabinet of the opposition, modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system, would make it possible to review government policies and cabinet activities, identify mistakes and shortcomings, and present alternative proposals. This would also increase the accountability of the executive branch.

Emphasising the importance of reforming state institutions, he said that the benefits of development would not reach the people properly unless effective reforms were carried out in various institutions, including the bureaucracy and civil administration. Every institution must be developed into one that is transparent, accountable and people-friendly.

Recalling his memories as a former student of the University of Dhaka, the Deputy Speaker said students of the university had played an important role in the country’s democratic struggles, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the anti-autocracy movement. Everyone must remain aware of the need to protect democratic achievements, freedom of expression and civil rights.