Ministers' absence from parliament budget session questioned

An opposition lawmaker has voiced concern over the conspicuous absence of ministers during Bangladesh's ongoing budget session, deeming their presence in parliament essential. Saiful Alam Khan Milon, the Jamaat MP from Dhaka-12, noted that while members from both treasury and opposition benches were actively participating, many ministers were frequently missing.

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I have noticed that most ministers were not present during the session.

During the general discussion on the budget, Milon pointed out the vacant seats of several ministers, including the health and home ministers, and requested the speaker's intervention. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad acknowledged the validity of the concern, stating his own desire for greater ministerial participation. He assured that he would formally request other ministers to attend, emphasizing that their presence underscores the significance of parliamentary proceedings.

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I, too, wanted to see greater ministerial presence during the budget session.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni offered a different perspective, explaining that many ministers were occupied with pressing state duties. He highlighted the continuous presence of the finance minister as crucial for addressing various issues, including health, power, and law. Moni also mentioned the consistent attendance of the LGRD minister and urged others to be present and attentive to the speeches from all MPs.

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Many ministers were occupied with state duties.

However, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, the State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and MP for Tangail-5, rejected the opposition's criticism. He countered by pointing out that neither the opposition leader nor the deputy opposition leader were present in the House at that moment. The speaker ultimately ruled that while the absence of opposition leaders was less critical, ministers' presence was vital, as MPs frequently raise matters requiring immediate government responses. He concluded that everyone's attendance is desirable for the dignity and decorum of parliament.

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While they complained about absent ministers, neither the opposition leader nor the deputy opposition leader was present in the House.