No state duty is more important than joining JS sessions: Speakers tells MPs

National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday urged all lawmakers to attend parliamentary sessions, saying no other state duty can receive greater importance.

The Speaker made the call in response to concerns raised by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman over the repeated absence of ruling party lawmakers and elected cabinet members in the parliament.

Shafiqur Rahman said that the Speaker has been calling on all parties to join parliamentary sessions. However, when issues concerning a ministry are discussed, the concerned minister or anyone representing him remain absent.

The opposition leader claimed that this practice prevents any given ministry from listening and responding to the issues raised in the parliament concerning its affairs, and thereby, erodes the effectiveness of parliamentary debates.

The absence of senior lawmakers hurts him, Shafiqur added.

Shafiqur left it to the Speaker to decide whether such practice is consistent with the standard mood in the parliament.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also raised concerns over the breach of discipline in the parliament. He alleged that many a time, lawmakers form small groups and discuss matters among themselves during parliamentary sessions.

This undermines the parliament’s dignity, and creates obstacles for others trying to follow parliamentary discussions, Shafiqur alleged.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “The issues raised by the Leader of the Opposition are extremely important.

“During the budget session, lawmakers speak on matters related to various ministries. Discussions are held on sectors such as health, law and order, and local government. It is important for the relevant ministers to be present and listen to these discussions.”

Addressing the Chief Whip, the Speaker added, “Please inform the honourable ministers that they should attend Parliament on time. They should at least listen to the remarks made by Members of Parliament concerning their respective ministries and, if possible, try to address the issues raised.”

Earlier, on Monday, the opposition had also questioned the absence of ministers from Parliament. Referring to the matter, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said that the Chief Whip had explained that ministers were occupied with various official duties.

“I am once again urging that no state business is more important than a parliamentary session. Among all state affairs, a sitting of Parliament carries the highest importance,” the Speaker said.

Referring to the Leader of the Opposition’s remarks on “small groups”, the Speaker further said that he, too, occasionally notices small groups engaging in conversations inside the parliamentary chamber. He requested lawmakers to refrain from such discussions and, as far as possible, remain seated in their designated seats and participate in parliamentary proceedings.