Opposition leader Khaleda Zia was present at only 6 out of 254 sittings of the current parliament in the last three years.
( only 2 % )
Lawmakers of the BNP-led opposition seem to have performed much better than their leader by attending 51 sittings in the same period
(only 20% present).
Information and statistics on parliament boycott and present data available in newspaper suggests that:
Awami League, as opposition, in the 5th Parliament boycotted 135 out of 400 sittings. They were present in 265 sittings (66% present)
In the 7th Parliament, the opposition BNP MPs missed 163 out of total 382 sittings. BNP was present in 219 sittings (57% present)
Again, as opposition AL lawmakers boycotted 223 out of 373 sittings of the 8th parliament's 5 year tenure. AL was present in 150 sittings (40% present)
In the current 9th Parliament, BNP-led opposition MPs have already boycotted 203 sittings out of 254 sittings in the last three years. BNP was present in 51 sittings (only 20% present)
And in so doing they clearly ignored their electoral pledges made to the people before the December 29, 2008 parliamentary election. The BNP and its key ally in four-party alliance, the Jamaat-e-Islami, had promised that, they would adopt a strong stance, including one relating to bringing about amendments to the constitution, if required, in order to bring an end to the pervasive culture of House boycott.
The BNP in its manifesto stated that no MPs could remain absent for more than 30 consecutive sittings without leave of the House.
Despite the number of MPs behind her, Khaleda Zia's status in parliament is right after Leader of the House and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She has the responsibility to lead her deputies in working as a shadow cabinet. But her poor attendance only shows Khaleda Zia's reluctance to joining parliamentary proceedings.
Khaleda Zia, who is entitled to the remuneration and benefits of a cabinet minister, has not picked a deputy leader of the opposition in the last three years.
The opposition deputies' absence virtually puts the government in a comfortable situation. That way, it can avert criticism and scrutiny by the opposition bench.
Although they have been boycotting the House, the opposition MPs are drawing their remuneration and allowances and enjoying all privileges without carrying out their duties.
The performance of Khaleda Zia, was also very bad during the five year tenure of the seventh Parliament. She, then opposition leader, attended only 28 sittings of a total of 382 sittings (only 7 %).
Shame to Khaleda and Jamat-BNP MPs!
Reference:
Today's (25.1.2012) the Daily Star, http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=219808
Let Almighty Allah make Bangladesh free from all old and new Razakar - Al Badar - NaPaki -Jamat
"Bangaleera Je Jekhane Achen, Sustha thakon, nirapade thakon ebong valo thakon"
Shuvechhante,
__._,_.___
